1 

J.  AUG   1!^  1955^ 

B93 


THE 


AGE    OF    FABLE 


BEAUTIES   OF  MYTHOLOGY 


THOMAS    BULFINCH 


A  NEW  ENLARGED  AND  ILLUSTRATED  EDITION 


EDITED   BY   E.  E.  HALE 


O,  ye  delicious  fiables!  where  the  -wave 
And  woods  were  peopled,  and  tiie  air,  with  things 

So  lovely!  why,  ah!   why  has  science  grave 
Scattered  afar  your  sweet  imaginings  ? 

BAERY    COKNWi 


BOSTON 
S.  W.  TILTON  &  CO.   PUBLISHERS 

BOSTON      LEE   AND   SHEPARD         NEW   YORK      C.    T.    DILT.INGHA3I 

1882 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1855,  by 

THOMAS    BULFINCH, 

In  the  Clerk's  OflSce  of  the  District  Court  of  tlie  District  of  Massachusetts. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1881,  by 

S.    W.    TILTON, 

In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


Boston  Stereotype  Fodndry, 
No.  4  Peakl  Street 


Henry  Wadsworth  Longfellow, 

THE  POET  ALIKE  OF  THE  MANY  AND  OF  THE  FEW, 
THIS  ATTEMPT  TO  POPULAEIZE 

MYTHOLOGY, 

AND  EXTEND  THE   ENJOYMENT   OF   ELEGANT  LITERATURE, 

£s  i^cspertfullg  EnscribeB 

By  THOMAS  BULFINCH. 


PREFACE 

TO     THE    SECOND    EDITION. 


THIS  book  is  an  enlarged  and  revised  edition  of  a  book 
published,  with  the  same  title,  by  the  late  Thomas  Bul- 
finoli,  of  Boston,  in  the  year  1855.  From  the  moment  of  its 
publication  it  met  with  a  favorable  reception,  both  from  the 
teachers  of  young  people,  and  from  the  young  people  them- 
selves, —  and  it  has  been  in  constant  circulation  and  demand 
since  that  time. 

The  stereotype  plates  having  been  wholly  worn  out  in  the 
publication  of  successive  editions,  the  publishers  have  asked 
me  to  revise  the  book,  in  preparation  for  a  new  and  enlarged 
edition,  —  and,  in  particular,  to  add  such  references  to  the 
literature  of  the  last  thirty  years  as  might  carry  forward 
the  admirable  plan  of  the  author,  and,  for  readers  of  the 
English  language,  might  bring  the  book  down  to  the  present 
time. 

The  duty  has  been  an  agreeable  one.  I  was  not  at  all  sur- 
prised to  find  that  Mr.  Bulfinch's  work,  in  a  subject  which  is 
c-ertainly  very  intricate,  had  been  singularly  careful.  Where 
he  had  wrought  out  his  jslan,  there  was  very  little  to  change. 
That  plan  was  not  simply  what  has  been  done  by  Kingsley, 
Hawthorne,  Coxe,  and  many  other  writers  since  Mr.  Bulfinch's 
book  was  published,  —  the  writing,  for  young  readers,  of 
selected  stories  from  the  mythology,  in  modern  language. 
What  Mr.  Bulfinch  wanted  to  do,  and  succeeded  in  doing, 
Avas  to  connect  the  old  stories  with  modern  literature.  His 
book,  therefore,  not  only  interests  young  people  in  the  clas- 
sical authors,  but  it  turns  their  attention  to  many  of  the  best 
authors  of  their  own  lansuafre  and  of  our  time. 


viii  TREFACE. 

In  the  period  wliicli  has  passed  since  the  book  was  first 
published,  the  poets  of  this  generation  have  made  many  allu- 
sions to  the  classics,  which  young  people  of  our  time  will  be 
glad  to  know  of.  We  have  therefore  added  to  Mr.  Bulfinch's 
citations  passages  from  Longfellow,  Lowell,  Bulwer,  William 
and  Lewis  Morris,  Swinburne,  Matthew  and  Edwin  Arnold, 
and  other  writers,  most  of  whom  are  now  living.  From  the 
classics  themselves  we  have  sometimes  cited  passages,  in  good 
translations,  hoping  to  interest  young  readers  in  reading  the 
very  books  from  Avhich  the  material  of  this  handbook  is  taken. 
We  have  in  all  added  passages  from  nearly  twenty  authors 
besides  those  cited  by  Mr.  Bulfinch. 

The  extension  of  our  knowledge  of  Egyptian  mythology,  and 
of  Brahminism,  Buddhism,  and  the  other  Eastern  religions,  has 
led  us  to  extend  somewhat  the  chapters  relating  to  that  class 
of  subjects.  But  we  have  not  forgotten  that  the  main  object  of 
the  book  is  to  give  to  general  readers  such  a  knowledge  of  clas- 
sical mythology  as  shall  help  them  to  comprehend  the  allusions 
made  to  it  by  poets  writing  in  the  English  language.  We 
have  not  the  space  for  even  a  general  discussion  of  the  Ethnic 
religions  of  the  world,  and  no  such  discussion  has  been  at- 
tempted. 

Many  wa-iters  have  tried,  since  Mr.  Bulfinch's  book  was 
wi'itten,  the  experiment  of  re-telling  the  classical  stories  in  the 
dialect  and  habit  of  the  nineteenth  century.  It  has  been 
thought  even  an  amusing  test  of  literary  skill  to  see  how  far 
the  classical  fables  could  be  made  to  live  and  move  in  the 
costumes  and  idioms  of  Avhat  the  world  has  agreed  to  call 
Romantic  literature.  Could  Northern  peojile,  like  ourselves, 
be  made  to  take  a  new  interest  in  these  fables  of  Southern 
Europe,  if  they  were  told  with  "  Once  upon  a  time,"  and  the 
other  adjuncts  of  the  fairy-tales  of  England  and  of  Germany? 

Whatever  may.be  the  answer  to  this  question,  as  an  enter- 
taining literary  problem,  I  think  Mr.  Bulfinch's  plan  was  far 
the  wiser  for  the  purpose  of  this  book,  and  that  the  result, 
even  if  the  reader  seek  only  for  entertainment,  justifies  it.  He 
did  not  pretend  to  rewrite  the  stories.  He  took  the  thread  of 
the  narratives  in  Ovid,  in  Virgil,  and  in  Homer,  —  and  held  to 


PREFACE.  IX 

the  text  of  those  writers,  in  a  simple  English  translation, 
wherever  he  could  do  so.  I  will  acknowledge  that  I  have 
myself  been  surprised  to  find  how  closely  he  was  able  to 
hold  to  that  thread,  and  yet  carry  out  the  main  purpose  of  his 
book.  As  his  editor  I  have  seen  no  reason  to  change  his  plan, 
and  I  have  found  very  few  occasions  to  amend  his  admirable 
translations. 

I  cannot  state  his  plan  better  than  he  has  stated  it  himself  in 
the  preface  to  the  first  edition.  His  modest  hope  that  young 
readers  will  find  it  a  source  of  entertainment,  and  that  young 
travellers  will  find  it  a  good  handbook  in  travel,  has  been  an- 
swered, as,  with  his  modesty,  he  could  not  have  hoped.  Many 
who  are  no  longer  young  have  kept  the  copy  which  they  used 
in  childhood  amongst  the  handy  books  of  older  life,  and  have 
found  their  own  children  enjoyed  those  immortal  stories,  with 
a  relish  unabated  by  the  modern  luxuries  of  literature. 

Mr.  Bulfinch's  preface,  with  a  few  alterations  explaining  our 
addition  to  his  work,  thus  states  his  plan  :  — 

"  Without  a  knowledge  of  mythology  much  of  the  elegant 
literature  of  our  own  language  cannot  be  understood  and  ap- 
preciated. When  Byron  calls  Rome  'the  Niobe  of  nations,' 
or  says  of  Venice,  '  She  looks  a  Sea-Cybele  fresh  from  ocean,' 
lie  calls  up  to  the  mind  of  one  familiar  with  our  subject  illus- 
trations more  vivid  and  striking  than  the  pencil  could  furnish, 
but  which  are  lost  to  the  reader  ignorant  of  mythology. 
Milton  abounds  in  similar  allusions.  The  short  poem  'Comus' 
contains  more  than  thirty  such,  and  the  ode  '  On  the  Morning 
of  the  Nativity '  half  as  many.  Through  '  Paradise  Lost '  they 
are  scattered  profusely.  This  is  one  reason  why  we  often  hear 
persons  by  no  means  illiterate  say  that  they  cannot  enjoy 
Milton.  But  were  these  persons  to  add  to  their  more  solid 
acquirements  the  easy  learning  of  this  little  volume,  much  of 
the  poetry  of  Milton  which  has  appeared  to  them  '  harsh  and 
crabbed, '  would  be  found  '  musical  as  is  Apollo's  lute.'  Our 
citations,  taken  from  more  than  twenty-five  poets,  from  Spenser 
to  Longfellow,  will  show  how  general  has  been  the  practice  of 
borrowing  illustrations  from  mythology. 

"  The  prose  writers  also  avail  themselves  of  the  same  source 


X  PKEFACE. 

of  elesjant  and  suggestive  illustration.  One  can  hardly  take 
up  a  number  of  the  Edinburgh  or  Quarterly  Review  without 
meeting  with  instances.  In  Macaulay's  article  on  Milton  there 
are  twenty  such. 

"  But  how  is  mythology  to  be  taught  to  one  who  does  not 
learn  it  through  the  medium  of  the  languages  of  Greece  and 
Rome  ?  To  devote  study  to  a  species  of  learning  Avhich  relates 
wholly  to  false  marvels  and  obsolete  faiths,  is  not  to  be  ex- 
pected of  the  general  reader  in  a  practical  age  like  this.  The 
time  even  of  the  young  is  claimed  by  so  many  sciences  of  facts 
and  things,  that  little  can  be  spared  for  set  treatises  on  a  science 
of  mere  fancy. 

"  But  may  not  the  requisite  knowledge  of  the  subject  be 
acquired  by  reading  the  ancient  poets  in  translations  ?  We 
reply,  the  field  is  too  extensive  for  a  preparatory  course  ;  and 
these  very  translations  require  some  previous  knowledge  of  the 
subject  to  make  them  intelligible.  Let  any  one  who  doubts  it 
read  the  first  page  of  the  '  yEneid,'  and  see  what  he  can  make 
of  'the  hatred  of  Juno,'  the  'decree  of  the  Parcce,'  the  'judg- 
ment of  Paris,'  and  the  '  honors  of  Ganymede,'  without  this 
knowledge. 

"  Shall  we  be  told  that  answers  to  such  queries  may  be  found 
in  notes,  or  by  a  reference  to  the  Classical  Dictionary  ?  We 
reply,  the  interruption  of  one's  reading  by  either  process  is  so 
.'uinoying  that  most  readers  prefer  to  let  an  allusion  pass  unap- 
))rehended  rather  than  submit  to  it.  Moreover,  such  sources 
give  us  only  the  dry  facts  without  any  of  the  charm  of  the  origi- 
nal narrative  ;  and  what  is  a  poetical  myth  when  stripped  of 
its  poetry?  The  story  of  Ceyx  and  Halcyone,  which  fills  a 
chapter  in  our  book,  occupies  but  eight  lines  in  the  best 
(Smith's)  Classical  Dictionary;  and  so  of  others. 

"  Our  book  is  an  attempt  to  solve  this  j^roblem,  by  telling  the 
stories  of  mythology  in  such  a  manner  as  to  make  them  a 
source  of  amusement.  We  have  endeavored  to  tell  them  cor- 
rectly, according  to  the  ancient  authorities,  so  that  when  the 
reader  finds  them  referred  to  he  may  not  be  at  a  loss  to  recog- 
nize the  reference.  Thus  we  hope  to  teach  mythology  not  as  a 
study,  but  as  a  relaxation  from  study ;  to  give  our  work  the 


charm  of  a  story-book,  yet  by  means  of  it  to  impart  a  knowl- 
edge of  an  important  branch  of  education.  The  index  at  the 
e«d  will  adapt  it  to  the  purposes  of  reference,  and  make  it  a 
Classical  Dictionary  for  the  parlor. 

"  Most  of  the  classical  legends  in  this  book  are  derived  from 
Ovid  and  Virgil.  They  are  not  literally  translated,  for,  in  the 
author's  opinion,  poetry  translated  into  literal  prose  is  very  un- 
attractive reading.  Neither  are  they  in  verse,  as  well  for 
other  reasons  as  from  a  conviction  that  to  translate  faithfully 
under  all  the  embarrassments  of  rhyme  and  measure  is  impos- 
sible. The  attempt  has  been  made  to  tell  the  stories  in  prose, 
preserving  so  much  of  the  poetry  as  resides  in  the  thoughts 
and  is  separable  from  the  language  itself,  and  omitting  those 
amplifications  which  are,  not  suited  to  the  altered  form, 

"  The  Northern  mythological  stories  are  coj^ied  with  some 
abridgment  from  Mallet's  Northern  Antiquities.  These  chap- 
ters, with  those  on  Oriental  and  Egyptian  mythology,  seemed 
necessary  to  complete  the  subject,  though  it  is  believed  these 
topics  have  not  usually  been  presented  in  the  same  volume  with 
the  classical  fables. 

"  The  poetical  citations  so  freely  introduced  are  expected  to 
answer  several  valuable  purposes.  They  wall  tend  to  fix  in 
memory  the  leading  fact  of  each  story,  they  will  help  to  the 
attainment  of  a  correct  pronunciation  of  the  j^roper  names, 
and  they  will  enrich  the  memory  with  many  gems  of  poetry, 
some  of  them  such  as  are  most  frequently  quoted  or  alluded  to 
in  reading  and  conversation. 

"  Having  chosen  onythology  as  connected  icith  literature  for 
our  province,  we  have  endeavored  to  omit  nothing  which  the 
reader  of  elegant  literature  is  likely  to  find  occasion  for.  Such 
stories  and  parts  of  stories  as  are  offensive  to  pure  taste  and 
good  morals  are  not  given.  But  such  stories  are  not  often 
referred  to,  and  if  they  occasionally  should  be,  the  English 
reader  need  feel  no  mortification  in  confessing  his  ignorance  of 
them. 

"  Our  book  is  not  for  the  learned,  nor  for  the  theologian,  nor 
for  the  philosopher,  but  for  the  reader  of  English  literature, 
of  either  sex,  who  wishes  to  comprehend  the  allusions  so  fre- 


xii  PREFACE. 

quently  made  by  public  speakers,  lecturers,  essayists,  and  poets, 
and  those  which  occur  in  polite  conversation. 

"  We  trust  our  young  readers  will  find  it  a  source  of  enter- 
tainment ;  those  more  advanced  a  useful  companion  in  their 
reading ;  those  who  travel,  and  visit  museums  and  galleries  of 
art,  as  interpreter  of  paintings  and  sculptures  ;  those  who  min- 
gle in  cultivated  society,  a  key  to  allusions  which  are  occasion- 
ally made ;  and  last  of  all,  those  in  advanced  life,  pleasure  in 
retracing  a  path  of  literature  which  leads  them  back  to  the 
days  of  their  childhood,  and  revives  at  every  step  the  associa- 
tions of  the  morning  of  life. 

"  Tlie  permanency  of  those  associations  is  beautifully  ex- 
jiressed  in  the  well-known  lines  of  Coleridge,  in  '  The  Piccolo- 
mini,  '  Act  ii..  Scene  4. 

"  '  The  intelligible  forms  of  ancient  poets, 
The  fair  humanities  of  old  religion, 
The  Power,  the  Beauty,  and  the  Majesty 
That  had  their  haunts  iu  dale  or  piny  mountain. 
Or  forest,  by  slow  stream,  or  pebbly  spring. 
Or  chasms  and  watery  depths ;  all  these  have  vanished. 
They  live  no  longer  in  the  faith  of  reason  ; 
But  still  the  heart  doth  need  a  language  ;  still 
Doth  the  old  instinct  bring  back  the  old  names  ; 
Spirits  or  gods  that  used  to  share  this  .earth 
With  man  as  with  their  friend  ;  and  at  this  day 
'Tis  Jupiter  who  brings  whate'er  is  great. 
And  Venus  who  brings  everything  that's  fair. '  " 

In  the  new  edition  the  publishers  have  added  very  largely 
to  the  value  of  the  book,  as  well  as  to  its  beauty,  by  the 
numerous  illustrations  from  the  very  best  classical  sources. 
The  reader  will  see  that  these  illustrations,  in  reproducing  the 
masterpieces  of  ancient  art,  give  the  best  idea  which  we  can 
have  of  the  conceptions  which  Greek  and  Roman  had  of  the 
sacred  beings  in  their  mythology. 

The  book  has  been  so  widely  and  so  successfully  used  in 
schools  that  it  seems  proper  to  add  that  this  new  edition  is 
considerably  enlarged.  The  list  of  poets  cited  has  been  en- 
larged from  forty  names  to  sixty-three.  The  chapters  on 
Egyptian  theology,  on  the  Eastern  mythologies,  and  on  the 
traditions   of   the   Northern   nations   have   been    entirely  re- 


written.  To  meet  tlie  purposes  of  this  enlargement  the  page 
of  the  book  has  been  made  larger,  so  that  it  may  include,  with 
the  same  number  of  pages,  all  such  additions  ajid  over  one  hun- 
dred illustrations.  The  index  has  been  revised  and  enlarged, 
and  becomes  virtually  a  brief  classical  dictionary,  sufficient  for 
most  purposes  in  schools. 

I  could  not  have  undertaken  this  revision  but  that  I  relied 
upon  the  assistance  of  my  son  and  namesake.  The  book,  as 
the  reader  takes  it  in  hand,  has*  had  at  every  page  the  benefit 
of  his  careful  study  and  suijervision  as  well  as  my  own. 

Edward  E.  Hale. 
EoxBURT,  Mass.,  Nov.  7,  1881. 


CO]N^TENTS. 


CHAPTER    I. 


Origin  of  Greeks  and  Romans.  —  The  Arj-an  Family. —The  Divinities 
of  these  Nations.  —  Character  of  the  Romans.  —  Greek  Notion  of  the 
World. —  Dawn,  Sun,  and  Moon.  —  Jupiter  and  the  gods  of  Olympus. 
—  Foreign  gods.  —  Latin  Names.  —  Saturn  or  Kronos.  —  Titans.  — 
Juno,  Vulcan,  Mars,  Phoebus-Apollo,  Venus,  Cupid,  Minerva,  Mer- 
cury, Ceres,  Bacchus.  —  The  Muses.  —  The  Graces.  —  The  Fates. — 
The  Furies.  —  Pau.  —  The  Satyrs.  —  Momus.  —  Plutus.  —  Roman  gods  .        1 

CHAPTER    H. 

Roman  Idea  of  Creation.  —  Golden  Age,  —  Milky  Way.  —  Parnassus.  — 
The  Deluge.  —  Deucalion  and  Pyrrha. — Pandora.  —  Prometheus. — 
Apollo  and  Daphne.  —  Pyramus  and  Thisbe.  —  Davy's  Safety  Lamp.  — 
Cephalus  and  Procris 18 


CHAPTER    in. 

Juno. —  Syrinx,  or  Pandean  Pipes. —  Argus's  Eyes.  —  lo.  —  Callisto. — 
Constellations  of  Great  and  Little  Bear. —  Pole-star. —  Diana. —  Actseon. 
—  Latona.  —  Rustics  turned  to  Frogs.  —  Isle  of  Delos. — Phaeton. — 
Palace  of  the  Sun. — Phoebus.  —  Day.  —  Month.  —  Year. — Hours. — 
Seasons.  —  Chariot  of  the  Sun.  —  People  of  ^Ethiopia.  —  Libyan  Desert. 
—The  Wells  Dry.  —  The  Sea  Shrinks.  —  Phaeton's  Tomb.  —  The 
Heliades 


CHAPTER    IV. 

Silenus. —  Midas. — Bacchus's  Reward  to  Midas.  —  River  Pactolus.  —  Pan 
Challenges  Apollo.  —  Midas's  Ears.  —  Gordian  Knot.  —  Baucis  and 
Philemon. — ^tna.  —  Perpetual  Spring.  — Pluto  carries  off  Proserpine. 
—  Ceres's  Search.  —  Proserpine's  Release.  —  Eleusinian  Mysteries.  — 

Glaucis  changed  to  a  Fish. — Scylla 58 

*  XV 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER    V 


Pygmalion's  Statue.— Dryope  and  lole.  — Lotus  Tree.— Venus  and  Adonis. 
Anemone  or  Wind  Flower. — Apollo  and  Hyacinthus. —  Game  of  Quoits. 
—  Flower  Hyacinthus.  —  Ceyx  and  Halcyone.  —  Palace  of  the  King  of 
Sleep.  —  Morpheus.  —  Halcyon  Birds 75 


CHAPTER    VI. 

Hamadryads.  —  Pomona.  —  Vertumnus.  —  Iphis.  —  Cupid  and  Psyche. — 
Zephyr.  — Temple  of  Ceres.— Temple  of  Venus.  —  The  Ant.  —  Golden 
Fleece.— Pluto.— Cerberus.— Charon.— The  Treasure.—  Stygian  Sleep. 
—  Cup  of  Ambrosia.  —  Birth  of  Pleasure.  —  Greek  name  of  Psyche.     . 


CHAPTER    VII. 

Cadmus.  —  Origin  of  City  of  Thebes.  —  Tyrians.  —  Serpent.  —  Dragon's 
Teeth.  —  Harmonia.  —  Serpent  Sacred  to  Mars.  —  Myrmidons.  — 
Cephalus.— ^acus.—  Pestilence  Sent  by  Juno.—  Origin  of  Myrmidons.     108 


CHAPTER    VIII. 

Minos,  King  of  Crete.  — Nisus,  his  purple  hair.  —  Scylla's  Betrayal.  —  Her 
Punishment.  —  Echo. — Juno's  Sentence.  —  Narcissus.  —  Love  for  his 
own  image.  —  Clytie. —  Hopeless  I^ove  for  Apollo.  —  Becomes  a  Flower. 
—  Hero  and  Lcander.  —  Hellespont 116 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Goddess  of  Wisdom.  —  Arachne.—  Her  Challenge  with  Minerva.— Mi nen'a's 
Web.  —  Arachne's  Web.  —  Transformation.—  Niobe  Queen  of  Thebes.— 
Mount  Cynthus.—  Death  of  Niobe's  Children.  —  Changed  to  stone.  —  The 
Gray-haired  Sisters.— The  Gorgon  Medusa.— Tower  of  brass.  —  Daniie. 
—  Perseus.  — Net  of  Diete.  — Minerva.— King  Atlas.  — Andromeda. — 
SeaMonster.— Wedding  Feast.— Enemies  Turned  to  Stone     ....     129 


CHAPTER    X. 

Attriliutes  of  Monsters.  —  Laius.  —  CEdipus.  —  The  Oracle.  —  Sphinx.  —  The 
Riddle.  —  CEdipus  made  King.— .Jocasta. —Origin  of  Pegasus.— 
Fountain  of  Hippocrene.  —  The  Chimsera. — Bellcrophontic  Letters.  ^- 
The  Centaurs.— The  Pygmies.— Description  of  the  Griffin. —The 
Native  Country.  —  One-eyed  People 149 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER    Xr. 

The  Ram  with  the  Golden  Fleece.  —  The  Hellespont.  —  Jason's  Quest. — 
Sowing-  the  Dragon's  Teeth. — Jason's  Father.  —  Incantations  of 
Medea. —  Ancient  name  of  Greece.. —  Great  Gatherings  of  the  Greeks. 
—  Wild  Boar.  —  Atalanta's  Eace.  —  Three  Golden  Apples.  —  Lovers' 
Ingratitude.  —  Venus's  Kevengc.  —  Corybantes 158 


CHAPTER    XII. 

Labors  of  Hercules.  —  Fight  with  Nemean  Lion.  —  Slaughter  of  the  Hydra. 
Cleaning  the  Augean  Stables.  —  Girdle  of  the  Queen  of  the  Amazons. — 
Oxen  of  Geryon. — Golden  Apples  of  Hesperides.  —  Victory  over 
Antceus. —  Cacus  Slain. — Hercules,  Descent  into  Hades. —  He  Becomes 
the  Slave  of  Omphale.  —  Dejanira's  Charm.  —  Death  of  Hercules. — 
Hebe,  Goddess  of  Youth 175 


CHAPTER    XIII. 

Theseus  Moves  the  Fated  Stone,  and  Proceeds  to  Athens. —  Procrustes's  Bed- 
stead. —  Tribute  to  Minos.  —  Ariadne.  —  Clew  of  Thread.  —  Encounter 
with  the  Minotaur.  —  Theseus  Becomes  King  of  Athens.  —  Friendship  of 
Theseus  and  Pirithous.  The  Theseum. —Festival  of  Panathengea. — 
Elgin  Marbles. — National  Greek  Games. — The  Labyrinth. — Daeda- 
lus' Wings.  —  Invention  of  the  Saw.  —  Castor  and  Pollux.  —  Argonautic 
Expedition.  —  Orpheus's  Harp.  — Gemini ,....- 


CHAPTER    XIV. 

Destruction  of  Semele.  —  Infancy  of  Bacchus.  —  March  of  Bacchus.  —  One 
of  the  Bacchanals  taken  Prisoner. — I*entheus. — Worship  of  Bacchus 
Established  in  Greece. —  Ariadne.  —  Bacchus's  Marriage. — Ariadne's 
Crown 195 


CHAPTER   XV. 

Pan.  —  Shepherd's  Pipe.  — Panic  Terror.  —  Signification  of  the  Name  Pan. 
—  Latin  Divinities.  —  Wood  Nymphs.  —  Water  Nymphs.  —  Sea  Nymphs. 
Pleasing  Traits  of  Old  Paganism. —  Mrs.  Browning's  Poem.  —  Violation 
of  Ceres's  Grove.  —  Erisichthon's  Punishment.  — Rhoecus.  —  Water 
Deities.  —  Neptune's  Symbol  of  Power.  —  Latin  Name  for  the  Muses, 
and  other  Deities.  —  Personification  of  the  AVinds.  —  The  Harpies. — 
Worship  of  Fortuna       i 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER    XVI. 

Transformation  of  Achelous.  —  Origin  of  the  Cornucopia.  —  Ancient  Mean- 
ing of  Fight  of  Achelous  with  Hercules.  —  ^sculapius.— The  Cyclops. 
—  Adnietus  wins  Alcestis. — Alcestis  offers  her  life  for  Admetus. — 
Antigone. —Expedition  of  the  "  Seven  against  Thebes."— Antigone's 
Sisterly  Devotion.  —  Antigone's  Burial. —Penelope.  — Statue  to 
Modesty.  —  Ulysses.  —  Penelope's  Suitors.  —  Penelope's  Web       .    .     . 


CHAPTER    XVII. 

Orpheus's  Lyre. —  Unhappy  Prognostics  at  Orpheus's  Marriage. —  Eurydicc's 
Death.  —  Orpheus  Descends  to  the  Stj'gian  Realm.  —  Orpheus  Loses 
Eurydice  Forever. — Thracian  Maidens.  —  Honey.  —  Aristteus's  Loss 
and  Complaint.  —  Cyrene's  Apartments. — ProteUs  Captured. — His 
Directions  to  Orpheus.  —  Swarm  of  Bees. — Celebrated  Mythical  Poets 
and  Musicians. — First  Mortal  Endowed  with  Prophetic  Powers   .     .    .     227 


CHAPTER   XVIII. 

Adventures  of  Real  Persons.  —  Arion,  Famous  Musician.  —  Description  of 
Ancient  Theatres.  —  Murder  of  Ibycus. — Chorus  Personating  the 
Furies. —  Cranes  of  Ibycus. — The  Murderers  Seized.  —  Simonides. — 
Scopas's  Jest.  —  Simonides's  Escape.  —  Sappho.  —  "  Lovers'  Leap."  .     .     238 


CHAPTER    XIX. 

Endymion, — Mount  Latmos.  —  Gift  of  Perpetual  Youth  and  Perpetual 
Sleep.  —  Orion.  —  Kedalion.  —  Orion's  Girdle.  —  The  Fatal  Shot.  —  The 
Pleiads.  —  Aurora. —  Memnon.  — "Statue  of  Memnon.  —  Scylla.  —  Acis 
and  Galatea. — River  Acis     ; 248 


CHAPTER   XX. 

Minerva's  Competition.  —  Paris's  Decision.  —  Helen.  — Paris's  Elopement.  — 
Ulysses's  Pretence.  — The  Apple  of  Discord.  —  Priam,  King  of  Troy.  — 
Commander  of  Grecian  Armament.  — Principal  Leaders  of  the  Trojans. 
—  Agamemnon  Kills  the  Sacred  Stag.  —  Iphigenia.  —  The  Trojan  War. 
-The  Iliad.  —  Interest  of  Gods  and  Goddesses  in  theWar.  — Achilles's 
Suit  of  Armor.  —  Death  of  Hector.  —  Ransom  Sent  to  Achilles.  —  Achil- 
les Grants  Priam's  Request. —  Hector's  Funeral  Solemnities    .    .     .    . 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER    XXI. 

Achilles  Captivated  by  Polyxena. — Achilles'  Claim.  —  Bestowal  of  Achil- 
les's  Armor.  —  The  Hyacinth.  —Arrows  of  Hercules.  —  Death  of  Paris. 
—  Celebrated  Statue  of  Minerva. —Wooden  Horse.  —  Greeks  Pretend 
to  Abandon  the  Siege.  —  Sea  Serpents.  —  Laocoon.  —  Troy  Subdued.  — 
Helen  and  Menelaus.  —  Nepenthe.  — Agamemnon's  Misfortunes.  —  Ores- 
tes. —  Electra.  —  Site  of  the  City  of  Troy 276 


CHAPTER    XXII. 

The  Odyssey.  —  The  Wanderings  of  Ulysses.  — Country  of  the  Cyclops.  — 
The  Island  of  ^olus,  —  The  Barb'arous  Tribe  of  Lafstrygonians.  — 
Circe.  —  The  Sirens.  —  Scylla  and  Charybdis.  —  Cattle  of  Hyperion. 
—  Ulysses's  Raft.  —  Calypso  Entertains  Ulj'sses.  —  Telemachus  and 
Mentor  Escape  from  Calypso's  Isle 290 


CHAPTER    XXIII. 

Ulysses  Abandons  the  Raft.  —  The  Country  of  the  Phgeacians.  —  Nausicaa's 
Dream.  —  A  Game  of  Ball. — Ulysses's  Dilemma. — Nausicaa's  Cour- 
age.—  The  Palace  of  Alcinous.  —  Skill  of  the  Phseacian  Women. — 
Hospitality  to  Ulysses.  —  Demodocus,  the  Blind  Bard.  —  Gifts  to  Ulysses    302 


CHAPTER    XXIY. 

Adventures  of  ^Eneas.  —  Prepare  to  Build  a  City.  —  Polydore.  —  A  Floating 
Island.  —  Arrival  at  Crete.  —  The  Harpies.  —  Land  at  Epirus.  —  The 
Cyclopes. —Juno's  Resentment.  —  Safe  Arrival  of  the  Trojans. — 
City  of  Carthage.  —  iEneas  Parts  from  Dido.— A  Ransom. —  Arrival 
at  Italy.— Words  of  the  Sibyl 314 


CHAPTER    XXV. 

Virgil's  Description  of  the  Region  of  the  Dead.  —  Descend  into  Hades.  — 
The  Black  River  and  Fenyman. — Cape  Palinurus.  —  The  Three- 
Headed  Dog. — Regions  of  Sadness.  —  Shades  of  Grecian  and  Trojan 
Warriors. — Judgment  Hall  of  Rhadamanthus.  —  The  Elysian  Fields. 

—  .^neas  Meets  His  Father.  — Anchises  Explains  the  Plan  of  Creation. 

—  Transmigration  of  Souls.  —  Egyptian  Name  of  Hades.  —  Location  of 
Elysium.  —  Prophetic  Power  of  the  Sibyl.  —  Legend  of  the  Nine  Books    323 


XX  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER    XXVr. 

Latinus's  Dream.  — Prediction  of  the  Harpies.  — Juno's  Animosity,  — Open- 
ing: the  Gates  of  Janus. — Camilla. — Evander.  —  ^Eneas  Arrives. — 
Evander  Welcomes  Him.  —  Tarchon. — Juno's  Interference.  —  Turnus. 

—  Nis«s  and  Euryalus.  —  Death  of  Both.  —  ^Eneas  Relieves  the  Camp. 

—  Mezentius.  —  ^ueas    Challenges    Turnus.  —  Turnus     is    Killed.  — 
Death  of  ^Eneas.  —  Foundation  of  Rome 


CHAPTER   XXVII. 

Pythagoras,  the  Philosopher  of  Crotona.  —  His  Doctrine  and  his  Scholars. — 
Numbers  as  the  Principle  of  all  Tilings.  —  The  Monad.  —  Doctrine  of 
Metempsychosis.  —  The  Music  of  the  Spheres.  —  Invention  of  the  Lyre. 
—  Sybaris  and  Crotona.  —  Milo  the  Athlete.  —  The  Religion  and  Mythol- 
ogy of  Egypt.  —  Mr.  Birch's  Opinion  and  that  of  other  Writers. — Tlie 
Principal  Egyptian  Gods.  —  Osiris  and  Isis.—  Apis.  —  Milton's  allusion 
to  Egyptian  Gods.  — Oracles.  —  Dodona.  —  Delphi.  —  Trophonius.  — 
.^sculapius.  —  Apis 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Odginof  Mythologj'.  —  The  Scriptural  Theory.  —  The  Historical  Theory. — 
The  Allegorical  Theory.  —  The  Astronomical  Theory.  —  The  Physical 
Theory.  —  Wordsworth's  View.  —  Statues  of  the  Gods.  — Olympian 
Jupiter. — Minerva  of  the  Parthenon. —Venus  de'  Medici.  —  Apollo 
Belvedere.  — Venus  of  Melos.— Poets  of  Mythology.  —  Homer.  —  Vir- 
gil.—  Ovid 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Modern  Monsters.— The  Phoenix.  —  Cockatrice  or  Basilisk.  — Unicorn.— 

Salamander 381 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

Mythology  of  the  East.  — Brahminism.  — Buddhism.  — The  Zoroastrian 
Sj'stem.  — The  Zendavesta  and  Zoroaster,  —  Period  of  his  Life.— 
Hindu  Mythology.  —  Brahma.  —  Vishnu.  —  Siva.  —  Trimurti.  —  Agni. 
—  Indra.  —  Surya.  —Vishnu.  —  Siva.  —Juggernaut.  —  Castes and  Hindu 
Customs.  — Buddha  and  Buddhism.  — The  Grand  Lama.  —  Prester 
John 390 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER   XXXI. 

Northern  Mythology.  —  The  Eddas.  — The  Ash  Ygdrasil.  —  Odin.  —  The 
Joys  of  Valhalla.  — Thor.  — The  Other  Gods.— Loki  and  his  Three 
Children.  — Tyr  and  the  Wolf  Fenris.  —  Gleipnir.  — How  Thor  paid  the 
Mountain  God  his  Wages.  —  Thor  Loses  his  Hammer  and  Recovers  it. 
—  Frey  and  Gerda.  —  Skirnir 406 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

Thor's  Visit  to  Jotunheim.  —  Thialfi.— Loki.  — Skrymir  the  Giant.  — The 
Three  Blows  from  M'iolnir.  —  The  City  of  Utgard.  —  Utgard-Loki. — 
Loki  and  Logi. — Thialfi  and  Hugi.  —  The  Drinking  Horn. —  Thor's 
Three  Draughts.  — The  Gray  Cat  — The  Old  Woman  Elli.  —  Utgard. 
—  Loki's  Deceptions.  —  Gullfaxi  and  Gleipnir.  —  Hrungnir.  —  Thor's 
Battle  with  the  Frost  Giant 418 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

Baldur  the  Good  —  Frigga.  — The  Descent  of  Odin.  — Loki  and  Frigga.— 
The  Mistletoe.  —  Hodur.  —  The  Death  of  Baldur.  —  Hermod.—  Hela.  — 
Thaukt.  —The  Funeral  of  Baldur.  —Hringham.  —  Punishment  of  Loki. 
—  Siguna.  — The  Elves.  — Ragnarok.— The  Twilight  of  the  Gods.— 
Surtur.  —  The  Bridge  Bifrost.  —  The  Giallar  horn.  —  Alfadur.  —  Runic 
Letters.  — The  Skalds.  — The  Sagas.  — Iceland 427 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

The  Druids.  —  Be'al.  —  Stonehenge.  —  Cromlech.  —  Beltane.  —  Samh'in.  — 
Hallow-evc.  —  The  Mistletoe.  —  Triads.  —  Welsh  Bards.  —  Eisteddfods. 
—  lona.  —  Columba.—Culdees.  — "Eileen  Nam  Ban" 436 


i^1AR]882 


STORIES  OF  GODS  AND  HEROES. 


CHAPTER    I. 


INTRODUCTION. 


THE  literature  of  our  time,  as  of  all  the  centuries  of 
Christendom,  is_full  of  allusions  to  the  gods  and  goddesses 
of  the  Greeks  and  Romans.  Occasionally,  and,  in  modern 
days,  more  often,  it  contains  allusion^  to  the  worship  and  the 
superstitions  of  the  Northern  nations  of  Europe.  The  object 
of  this  book  is  to  teach  readers  who  are  not  yet  familiar  with 
the  writers  of  Greece  and  Rome,  or  the  ballads  or  legends 
of  the  Scandinavians,  enough  of  the  stories  which  form  what 
is  called  their  mythology,  to  make  those  allusions  intelligible 
which  one  meets  every  day,  even  in  the  authors  of  our  own 
time. 

The  Greeks  and  Romans  both  belong  to  the  same  race  or 
stock.  It  is  generally  known  in  our  time  as  the  Aryan  family 
of  mankind ;  and  so  far  as  we  know  its  history,  the  Greeks  and 
Romans  descended  from  tribes  which  emigrated  from  the  high 

1 


2  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

table-lands  of  Northern  India.  Other  tribes  emigrated  in 
different  directions  from  the  same  centre,  so  that  traces  of  the 
Aryan  language  are  found  in  the  islands  of  the  Pacific  ocean. 

The  people  of  this  race,  who  moved  westward,  seem  to  have 
had  a  special  fondness  for  open  air  nature,  and  a  willingness  to 
personify  the  powers  of  nature.  They  were  glad  to  live  in 
the  open  air,  and  they  specially  encouraged  the  virtues  which 
an  open-air  people  prize.  Thus  no  Roman  was  thought 
manly  who  could  not  swim,  and  every  Greek  exercised  in  the 
athletic  sports  of  the  palaestra. 

The  Roman  and  Grecian  and  German  divisions  of  this  great 
race  are  those  with  which  we  have  most  to  do  in  history  and 
in  literature.  Our  own  English  language  is  made  up  of  the 
dialects  of  different  tribes,  many  of  whom  agreed  in  their  use 
of  words  which  they  had  derived  from  our  Aryan  ancestry. 
Thus  our  substantive  verb  I  am  aj^pears  in  the  original  San- 
scrit of  the  Aryans  as  esmi^  and  m  for  me  (moi),  or  the  first 
person  singular,  is  found  in  .all  the  verbal  inflections.  The 
Greek  form  of  the  same  verb  was  esmi,  which  became  asini, — 
and  in  Latin  the  first  and  last  vowels  have  disappeared,  the 
verb  is  sum.  Similar  relationships  are  traced  in  the  numerals, 
and  throughout  all  the  languages  of  these  nations. 

The  Romans,  like  the  Etruscans  Avho  came  before  them,  were 
neither  poetical  nor  imaginative  in  temjDerament.  Their  activity 
ran  in  practical  directions.  They  therefore  invented  few,  if 
any  stories,  of  the  gods  whom  they  worshipped  Avith  fixed 
rites.  Mr.  Macaulay  speaks  of  these  gods  as  "the  sober  ab- 
stractions of  the  Roman  pantheon."  We  owe  most  of  the 
stories  of  the  ancient  mythology  to  the  wit  and  fancy  of  the 
Greeks, — more  playful  and  imaginative,  —  who  seized  from 
Egypt  and  from  the  East  such  legends  as  pleased  them,  —  and 
adapted  them  in  their  OAvn  way.  It  often  happens  that  such 
stories,  resembling  each  other  in  their  foundation,  are  found  in 
the  Greek  and  Roman  authors  in  several  different  forms. 

To  understand  these  stories,  we  will  here  first  acquaint  our- 
selves with  the  ideas  of  the  structure  of  the  universe,  which 
the  poets  and  others  held,  and  which  will  form  the  scenery,  so 
to  speak,  of  the  narratives. 


INTRODUCTION.  3 

The  Greek  poets  believed  the  earth  to  be  flat  and  circular, 
their  own  country  occupying  the  middle  of  it,  the  central  point 
being  either  Mount  Olympus,  the  abode  of  the  gods,  or  Delphi, 
so  famous  for  its  oracle. 

The  circular  disk  of  the  earth  was  crossed  from  west  to  east, 
and  divided  into  two  equal  parts  by  the  Sea,  as  they  called  the 
Mediterranean,  and  its  continuation  the  Euxine. 

Around  the  earth  flowed  the  liiver  Ocean,  its  course  being 
from  south  to  north  on  the  western  side  of  the  earth,  and  in  a 
contrary  direction  on  the  eastern  side.  It  flowed  in  a  steady, 
equable  current,  unvexed  by  storm  or  tempest.  The  sea,  and 
all  the  rivers  on  earth,  received  their  waters  from  it. 

The  northern  portion  of  the  earth  was  supposed  to  be  inhab- 
ited by  a  happy  race  named  the  Hyperboreans,-'  dwelling  in 
everlasting  bliss  and  spring  beyond  the  lofty  mountains  whose 
caverns  were  supposed  to  send  forth  the  piercing  blasts  of  the 
north-wind,  which  chilled  the  j^eople  of  Hellas  (Greece).  Their 
country  was  inaccessible  by  land  or  sea.  They  lived  exempt 
from  disease  or  old  age,  from  toils  and  warfare.  Moore  has 
given  us  the  "  Song  of  a  Hyperborean,"  beginning  — 

"  I  come  from  a  land  in  the  sun-brigrht  deep, 
Where  golden  gardens  glow, 
Where  the  winds  of  the  north,  becalmed  in  sleep, 
Their  conch-shells  never  blow." 

On  the  south  side  of  the  earth,  close  to  the  stream  of  Ocean, 
dwelt  a  jDeoj^le  happy  and  virtuoixs  as  the  Hyj:)erboreans.  They 
were  named  the  Ethiopians.  The  gods  favored  them  so  highly 
that  they  were  wont  to  leave  at  times  their  Olympian  abodes, 
and  go  to  share  their  sacrifices  and  banquets. 

On  the  western  margin  of  the  earth,  by  the  stream  of  Ocean, 
lay  a  happy  place  named  the  Elysian  Plain,  whither  mortals 
favored  by  the  gods  were  transported  without  tasting  of  death, 
to  enjoy  an  immortality  of  bliss.  This  hajjpy  region  was  also 
called  the  "Fortunate  Fields,"  and  the  "Isles  of  the  Blessed." 

We  thus  see  that  the  Greeks  of  the  early  ages  knew  little  of 
any  real  people  except  those  to  the  east  and  south  of  their  own 

'  This  word  means  "who  live  beyond  the  north"  from  the  word  "hyper," 
beyond,  and  boreas,  the  north  wind. 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


country,  or  near  the  coast  of  the  Mediterranean.  Their  imagi- 
nation meantime  peopled  the  western  portion  of  tliis  sea  with 
giaiits,  monsters,  and  enchantresses ;  while  they  placed  around 
the  disk  of  the  earth,  which  they  probably  regarded  as  of  no 
great  width,  nations  enjoying  the  peculiar  favor  of  the  gods, 
and  blessed  with  happiness  and  longevity. 

The  Dawn,  the  Sun,  and  the  Moon  were  supposed  to  rise  out 
of  the  Ocean,  on  the  western  side,  and  to  drive  through  the  air, 
giving  light  to  gods  and  men.     The  stars  also,  except  those 

foi'raing  Charles's  Wain  or 
Bear,  and  others  near  them, 
rose  out  of  and  sank  into 
the  stream  of  Ocean.  There 
the  sun-god  embarked  in  a 
winged  boat,  Avhich  con- 
veyed him  round  by  the 
northern  part  of  the  earth, 
back  to  his  place  of  rising 
the  east.  Milton  alludes 
to   tills    in   his    "Co- 


"  Now  the  ji-ililed  car  of  day 
His  golden  axle  doth  allay 
In  the  steep  Atlantic  stream, 
And  the  slope   Snn  his  up- 
ward beam 
Shoots    against    the    dusky 

pole, 
Pacing    towards    the    other 

goal 
Of  his  chamber  in  the  east." 


The  abode  of  the  gods 
was  on  the  summit 
of  Mount  Olympus, 
in  Thessaly.  A  gate  of  clouds,  kept  by  the  goddesses  named 
the  Seasons,  opened  to  permit  the  passage  of  the  Celestials  to 
earth,  and  to  receive  them  on  their  return.  The  gods  had  their 
separate  dwellings ;  but  all,  when  summoned,  repaired  to  the 


JUPITEK. 


INTRODUCTION. 


palace  of  Jupiter,^  as  did  also  those  deities  Avliose  usual  abode 
was  the  earth,  the  waters,  or  the  underworld.  It  was  also  in 
the  great  hall  of  the  jaalace  of  the  Olympian  king  that  the  gods 
feasted  each  day  on  ambrosia  and  nectar,  their  food  and  drink, 
the  latter  being  handed 
round  by  the  lovely  god- 
dess Hebe.  Here  they 
conversed  of  the  affairs 
of  heaven  and  earth ;  and 
as  they  quaffed  their  nec- 
tar, Apollo,  the  god  of 
music,  delighted  them  . 
with  the  tones  of  his 
lyre,  to  which  the  Muses 
sang  in  responsive  strains. 
When  the  sun  was  set, 
the  gods  retired  to  sleep 
in  their  respective  dwell- 
ings. 

The  following  lines 
from  the  Odyssey  Avill 
show  how  Homer  con- 
ceived of  01ym]ius :  — 

"  So  sayinji,  Minerva,  goddess  aziirc-ey 
Hose  to  Olympus,  the  reputed  seat 
Eternal  of  the  gods,  which  never  storms 
Disturb,  rains  drench,  or  snow  invades,  but  calm 
The  expanse  and  cloudless  shines  with  purest  day. 
Thei'e  the  inhabitants  divine  rejoice 
Forever."  Couyer. 

Such  were  the  abodes  of  the  gods 
as  the  Greeks  conceived  them.  The 
Romans,  before  they  knew  the  Greek  vulcan. 

poetry,  seem  to  have  had  no  definite 

imagination  of  such  an  assembly  of  gods.    But  the  Roman  and 
Etruscan  races  were  by  no  means  irreligious.    They  venerated 

1  Or  Zeus.    The  relation  of  these  names  to  each  other  will  be  explained  on  the 
next  page. 


6  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

their  departed  ancestors,  —  and  in  each  family  the  worship  of 
these  ancestors  was  an  important  duty.  The  images  of  the 
ancestors  were  kept  in  a  sacred  place,  —  each  family  observed, 
at  fixed  times,  memorial  rites  in  their  honor,  —  and  for  these 
and  other  religious  observances  the  family  hearth  was  conse- 
crated. The  earliest  rites  of  Roman  worship  are  supposed  to 
be  connected  with  such  family  devotions. 

As  the  Greeks  and  Romans  became  acquainted  with  other 
nations,  they  imported  their  habits  of  worship,  even  in  early 
times.  It  Avill  be  remembered  that  as  late  as  St.  Paul's  time, 
he  found  an  altar  at  Athens  "  to  an  unknown  God."  Greeks 
and  Romans  alike  were  willing  to  receive  from  other  nations 
the  legends  regarding  their  gods,  and  to  incorporate  them  as 
well  as  they  could  with  their  own.  It  is  thus  that  in  the 
poetical  mythology  of  those  nations,  which  Ave  are  now  to  study, 
we  frequently  find  a  Latin  and  a  Greek  name  for  one  imagined 
divinity.  Thus  Zeus,  of  the  Greeks,  becomes  in  Latin  —  with 
the  addition  of  the  word  pater  ^  (a  father),  Ju-piter — Kronos  of 
the  Greeks  appears  as  Saturnus  of  the  Romans,  "  Hephaistos  " 
of  the  Greeks  as  "  Vulcanus "  of  the  Latins,  "  Ares  "  of  the 
Greeks  is  "Mars"  or  Mavors  of  the  Latins,  "Poseidon"  of 
the  Greeks  is  "  Neptunus  "  of  the  Latins,  "  Aphrodite  "  of  the 
Greeks  is  "  Venus  "  of  the  Latins.  This  variation  is  not  to  be 
confounded  with  a  mere  translation,  as  where  "  Paulos  "  of  the 
Greek  becomes  "  Paulus  "  in  Latin,  or  "  Odysseus  "  becomes 
"  Ulysses,"  —  or  as  when  "  Pierre "  of  the  French  becomes 
"Peter"  in  English.  What  really  happened  was,  that  as  the 
Romans,  more  cultivated  than  their  fathers,  found  in  Greek 
literature  a  god  of  fire  and  smithery,  —  they  transferred  his 
name  "Hephaistos"  to  their  own  old  god  "Vulcanus,"  —  who 
had  the  same  duties,  —  and  in  their  after  literature  the  Latin 
name  was  used  for  the  stories  of  Greek  and  Latin  origin. 

As  the  English  literature  came  into  being  largely  on  French 
and  Latin  models,  and  as  French  is  but  a  degraded  Latin  and 
retains  Latin  roots  largely,  —  in  our  older  English  poets  the 

1  The  reader  will  observe  ihaX  father  is  one  of  the  words  derived  from  an 
Aryan  root.  Let  p  and  t  become  rough,  as  the  grammarians  say,  —  let/?  become 
ph,  and  t  th,  and  you  \\9.ve  phather  oy  father. 


INTRODUCTION. 


Latin  forms  of  these  names  are  generally  used.  In  our  own 
generation,  with  the  precision  now  so  much  courted,  a  fashion 
has  come  in,  of  designating  Mars  by  his  Greek  name  of  "Ares," 


CHROXOS  AND   RHEA. 


Venus  by  her  name  of  "Aphrodite,"  and  so  on.  But,  in  this 
book,  as  our  object  is  to  make  familiar  the  stoves  of  general 
English  literature  which  refer  to  such  subjects,  we  shall  retain, 
in  general,  the  Latin  names,  —  only  calling  the  attention  of  the 
reader  to  the  Greek  names,  as  they  appear  in  Greek  authors, — 
and  in  many  writers  of  the  more  recent  English  schools. 


8  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

The  real  monarch  of  the  heavens  in  the  mythology  of  both 
Greece  and  Rome  is  Jupiter  (Zeus-pater,  fathei'-Jove).^ 

In  the  mythological  system  we  are  tracing  Zeus  is  liimself  the 
father  of  many  of  the  gods,  and  he  is  often  spoken  of  as  father 
of  gods  and  men.  lie  is  the  father  of  Vulcan,^  of  Venus,^  of 
Minerva,^  of  Apollo,^  Diana,^  and  of  Mercury,^  who  are  ranked 
among  the  twelve  superior  gods,  and  of  many  inferior  deities. 
But  Jupiter  himself  is  not  the  original  deity  in  these  systems. 
He  is  the  son  of  Saturnus,  as  in  the  Greek  Zeus  is  the  son  of 
Kronos.  Still  the  inevitable  question  would  occur  where  did 
Saturnus  or  Kronos  come  from.  And,  in  forms  and  statements 
more  and  more  vague,  the  answer  was  that  he  was  born  from 
Uranus  or  Ouranos,  which  is  the  name  of  the  Heaven  over  all 
which  seemed  to  embrace  all  things.  The  Greek  name  of 
Saturn  was  spelled  Kronos.  The  Greek  name  of  Time  was 
spelled  Chronos.  A  similarity  between  the  two  was  imagined. 
And  the  whole  statement,  when  reduced  to  rationalistic  lan- 
guage, would  be  that  from  Uranus,  the  infinite,  was  born 
Chronos,  Time,  —  that  from  Time,  Zeus  or  Jupiter  was  born, 
and  that  he  is  the  only  child  of  Time  who  has  complete  sway 
over  mortals  and  immortals. 

"  The  will  cff  Jove  I  own, 
Who  mortals  and  immortals  rules  alone." 

Homer,  H.  xii. 

Jupiter  was  son  of  Saturn  (Kronos)^  and  0]is  (Rhea  in  Greek, 
sometimes  confounded  with  the  Phrygian  Cybele). 

Saturn  and  Rhea  Avere  of  the  race  of  Titans,  who  were  the 
children  of  Earth  and  Heaven,  which  s])rang  from  Chaos, 
of  wliich  we  shall  give  a  fui'ther  account  in  our  next  chapter. 

1  .Jove  appears  to  be  a  word  derived  from  the  same  root  as  Zeus,  and  it 
appears  in  the  root  dev  of  the  Sanscrit,  where  devas  arc  <rods  of  different  forms. 
Our  English  word  devil  probably  comes  from  the  French  diable,  Italian  diavoh, 
Latin  dinbohis,  one  who  makes  division,  —  literally  one  who  separates  balls,  or 
throws  balls  about,  —  instead  of  throwing  them  frankly  and  truly  at  the  batsman. 
It  is  not  to  be  traced  to  the  Sanscrit  dn-a.  •    . 

-  In  Gi-eck  Hephaistos,  ^  in  Greek  Aphrodite,  *  in  Greek  Pallas  Athene,  or 
either  name  separately,  &  or  Phrebus,  s  in  Greek  Artemis,  '  in  Greek  Hermes. 

8  The  names  included  in  parentheses  are  the  Greek,  the  others  being  the  Roman 
or  Latin  names. 


INTRODUCTION.  9 

In  allusion  to  the  dethronement  of  Ouranos  by  Kronos,  and 
of  Kronos  or  Saturnus  by  Zeus  or  Jupiter,  Prometheus  says  in 
-^schylus's  tragedy, — 

"  You  may  deem 
Its  towers  impi-egnal)lc ;  but  have  I  not 
Already  seen  two  monarchs  hurled  from  them." 

There  is  another  cosmogony,  or  account  of  the  creation, 
according  to  which  Earth,  Erebus,  and  Love  were  the  first 
of  beings.  Love  (Eros)  issued  from  the  egg  of  Night,  wliich 
floated  on  Chaos.  By  his  arrows  and  torch  he  pierced  and 
vivified  all  things,  producing  life  and  joy. 

Saturn  and  Rhea  were  not  the  only  Titans.  There  were 
others,  whose  names  were  Oceanus,  Hyperion,  lapetus,  and 
Ophion,  males ;  and  Themis,  Mnemosyne,  Eurynome,  females. 
They  are  spoken  of  as  the  elder  gods,  whose  dominion  was 
afterwards  transferred  to  others.  Saturn  yielded  to  Jupiter, 
Oceanus  to  Neptune,  Hyjierion  to  Apollo.  Hyperion  was  the 
father  of  the  Sun,  Moon,  and  Dawn.  He  is  therefoi-e  the 
original  sun-god,  and  is  painted  with  the  splendor  and  beauty 
which  were  afterwards  bestowed  on  Apollo. 

"  Hyperion's  curls,  the  front  of  Jove  himself." — Shakspeare. 

Ophion  and  Eurynome  ruled  over  Olympus  till  they  were 
dethroned  by  Saturn  and  Rhea.  Milton  alludes  to  them  in 
Paradise  Lost.  He  says  the  heathen  seem  to  have  had  some 
knowledge  of  the  temptation  and  fall  of  man,  — 

"  And  fabled  how  the  serpent,  whom  the}'  called 
Ophion,  with  Eurynome  (the  wide- 
Encroaching  Eve  perhaps),  had  first  the  rule 
Of  high  Olympus,  thence  by  Saturn  driven." 

The  representations  given  of  Saturn  are  not  very  consistent; 
for  on  the  one  hand  his  reign  is  said  to  have  been  the  golden 
age  of  innocence  and  purity,  and  on  the  other  he  is  described 
as  a  monster  who  devoured  his  own  children.^     Jujiiter,  how- 

'  This  inconsistency  arises  from  considering  the  Saturn  of  the  Romans  the  same 
with  the  Grecian  deity  Chronos  (Time),  which,  as  it  brings  an  end  to  all  things 
which  have  had  a  beginning,  may  be  said  to  devour  its  own  ofi'spring. 


10 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


ever,  escaped  this  fate,  and  Avhen  grown  up  espoused  Metis 
(Prudence),  who  administered  a  draught  to  Saturn  which 
caused  him  to  disgorge  his  children.    Jupiter,  with  his  brothers 

and  sisters,  now 
rebelled  against  their 
father  Saturn,  and 
his  brothers  the  Ti- 
tans ;  vanquished 
the  m,  and  impris- 
oned some  of  them 
in  Tartarus,  inflict- 
ing other  penalties 
on  others.  Atlas 
Avas  condemned  to 
bear  up  the  heavens 
on  his  shoulders. 

On  the  dethrone- 
ment of  Saturn,  Ju- 
piter with  his  broth- 
ers Neptune  (Posei- 
don) and  Pluto 
(Dis)  divided  his 
dominions.  Jupiter's 
})ortion  was  the 
heavens,  Neptune's 
the  ocean,  and  Plu- 
to's the  realms  of 
the  dead.  Earth  and 
Olympus  were  com- 
mon property.  Ju- 
piter was  king  of 
gods  and  men.  The 
thunder  was  his 
weapon,  and  he  bore 
a  shield  called  ^gis,  made  for  him  by  Vulcan.  The  eagle  was 
his  favorite  bird,  and  bore  his  thunderbolts. 

Juno  (Here)^  was  the  wife  of  Jupiter,  and  queen  of  the  gods. 
1  Pronounce  He-re,  in  two  sjUables. 


BAKBAEINI    JUNO    (VATICAN). 


INTRODUCTION.  11 

Iris,  the  goddess  of  the  rainbow,  was  her  attendant  and  mes- 
senger.    The  peacock  Avas  her  favorite  bird. 

Vulcan  (Hephaistos),  the  celestial  artist,  was  the  son  of 
Jupiter  and  Juno.  He  was  born  lame,  and  his  mother  was  so 
displeased  at  the  sight  of  him  that  she  flung  him  out  of  heaven. 
Other  accounts  say  that  Jupiter  kicked  him  out  for  taking  part 
with  his  mother,  in  a  quarrel  which  occurred  between  them. 
Vulcan's  lameness,  according  to  this  account,  was  the  conse- 
quence of  his  fall.  He  was  a  whole  day  falling,  and  at  last 
alighted  in  the  Island  of  Lemnos,  which  was  thenceforth 
sacred  to  him.     Milton  alludes  to  this  story  in  Paradise  Lost, 

Book    I.  "From  morn 

To  noon  he  fell,  from  noon  to  dewy  eve, 
A  summer's  day;  and  with  the  setting  sun 
Dropped  from  the  zenith,  like  a  falling  star, 
On  Lemnos,  the  ^gean  isle." 

Mars  (Arcs),  the  god  of  war,  was  the  son  of  Jupiter  and  Juno. 

Phoebus  Apollo,^  the  god  of  archery,  prophecy,  and  music, 
was  tiie  son  of  Jupiter  and  Latona,  and  brother  of  Diana 
(Artemis).  He  was  god  of  the  sun,  as  Diana,  his  sister,  was 
the  goddess  of  the  moon. 

Venus  (Aphrodite),  the  goddess  of  love  and  beauty,  was  the 
daughter  of  Jupiter  and  Dione.  Others  say  that  Venus  sprang 
from  the  foam  of  the  sea.  The  zephyr  wafted  her  along  the 
waves  to  the  Isle  of  Cyprus,  where  she  was  received  and 
attired  by  the  Seasons,  and  then  led  to  the  assembly  of  the 
gods.  All  were  charmed  with  her  beauty,  and  each  one 
demanded  her  for  his  wife. '  Jupiter  gave  her  to  Vulcan,  in 
gratitude  for  the  service  he  had  rendered  in  forging  thunder- 
bolts. So  the  most  beautiful  of  the  goddesses  became  the  wife 
of  the  most  ill-favored  of  the  gods.  Venus  possessed  an 
embroidered  girdle  called  the  Cestus,  which  had  the  power  of 
inspiring  love.  Her  favorite  birds  were  swans  and  doves,  and 
the  plants  sacred  to  her  were  the  rose  and  the  myrtle. 

Cupid  (Eros),  the  god  of  love,  was  the  son  of  Venus.  He  was 
her  constant  companion ;  and,  armed  with  bow  and  arrows, 
he  shot  the  darts  of  desire  into  the  bosoms  of  both  gods  and 

1  This  is  a  Greek  name  of  a  Greek  divinity,  who  seems  to  have  had  no  Romaa 
resemblance. 


12  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

men.  There  was  a  deity  named  Anteros,  who  was  sometimes 
represented  as  the  avenger  of  slighted  love,  and  sometimes  as 
the  symbol  of  reciprocal  affection.  The  following  legend  is 
told  of  him  :  — 

Venus,  complaining  to  Themis  that  her  son  Eros  continued 
always  a  child,  was  told  by  her  that  it  was  because  he  Avas  sol- 
itary, and  that  if  he  had  a  brother  he  would  grow  apace. 
Anteros  was  soon  afterwards  born,  and  Eros  immediately  was 
seen  to  increase  rapidly  in  size  and  strength. 

Minerva  (Pallas  Athene),  the  goddess  of  wisdom,  Avas  the 
offspring  of  Jupiter,  without  a  mother.  She  sprang  from  his 
head,  completely  armed.  Her  favorite  bird  was  the  owl,  and 
the  plant  sacred  to  her  the  olive. 

Byron,  in  "  Childe  Harold,"  alludes  to  the  birth  of  Minerva 

■  "  Can  tyrants  but  by  tyrants  conquered  be, 

Antl  freedom  find  no  champion  and  no  child, 

Such  as  Columbia  saw  arise,  when  she 

Sprang  forth  a  Pallas,  armed  and  undefilcd  ? 

Or  must  such  minds  be  nourished  in  the  wild. 

Deep  in  the  unpruned  forest,  'midst  the  roar 

Of  cataracts,  where  nursing  Nature  smiled 

On  infant  Washington  ?    Has  eai-th  no  more 

Such  seeds  within  her  breast,  or  Europe  no  such  shore  ?" 

Mercury  (Hermes),  was  the  son  of  Jupiter  and  Maia.  He 
presided  over  commerce,  wrestling  and  other  gymnastic  exer- 
cises; even  over  thieving,  and  everything,  in  short,  which 
required  skill  and  dexterity.  He  was  the  messenger  of  Jupiter, 
and  wore  a  winged  cap  and  winged  shoes.  He  bore  in  his  hand 
a  rod  entwined  with  two  serpents,  called  the  Caduceus. 

Mercury  is  said  to  have  invented  the  lyre.  Four  hours 
after  his  birth  he  found  the  shell  of  a  tortoise,  made  holes  in 
the  opposite  edges  of  it,  and  drew  cords  of  linen  through 
them,  and  the  instrument  was  complete.^    The  coixls  were  nine, 

I  From  this  origin  of  the  instrument,  the  word  "shell"  is  often  used  as 
synonymous  with  "lyre,"  and  figuratively  for  music  and  poetry.  Thus  Gray,  in 
his  ode  on  the  "  Progress  of  Poesy,"  says,  — 

"  O  Sovereign  of  the  willing  soul, 
Parent  of  sweet  .and  solemn-breathing  airs, 
Enchanting  shell !  the  sullen  Cares 
And  frantic  Passions  hear  tliy  soft  control." 


INTRODUCTION. 


13 


in  honor  of  the  nine  Muses.     Mercury  gave  the  lyre  to  Apollo, 
and  received  from  him  in  exchange  the  caduceus. 

Ceres  (Demeter)  was  the  daughter  of  Saturn  and  Rhea. 
She  had  a  daughter  named  Proserpine  (Persephone),  who 
became  the  wife  of  Pluto,  and  queen  of  the  realms  of  the  dead. 
Ceres  presided  over  agriculture. 

Bacchus  (Dionysus),  the  god  of  wine,  was  the  son  of  Jupiter 
and  Semele.      He  represents  not  only  the 
intoxicating   power   of  wine,  but  its  social 
and  beneficent  influences  likewise;   so  that 
he  is  viewed  as  the  promoter  of  civilization, 
and  a  lawgiver  and  lover  of  peace. 

The  Muses  were  the  daughters  of  Jupiter 
and  Mnemosyne  (Memory).  They  presided 
over  song,  and  prompted  the  memory.  They 
were  nine  in  number,  to  each  of  Avhom  was 
assigned  the  jjresidency  over  some  particular 
department  of  literature,  art,  or  science.  Cal- 
liope ^  Avas  the  muse  of  epic  poetry,  Clio  of 
history,  Euterpe^  of  lyric  poetry,  Melpo- 
mene^ of  tragedy,  Terpsichore^  of  choral 
dance  and  song,  Erato  of  love-poetry,  Poly- 
hymnia of  sacred  poetry,  Urania  of  astron- 
omy, Thalia  ^  of  comedy.  calliui'e. 

The  Graces  were  goddesses  presiding  over  the  banquet,  the 
dance,  and  all  social  enjoyments  and  elegant  arts.  They  were 
three  in  number.  Their  names  were  Euphrosyne,  Aglaia,  and 
Thalia.       ' 

Spenser  describes  the  office  of  the  Graces  thus  :  —    . 

"  These  three  on  men  all  gracious  gifts  bestow 

Which  deck  the  body  or  adorn  the  mind, 

To  make  them  lovely  or  well-favoi-ed  show ; 

As  comely  carriage,  entertainment  kind, 

Sweet  semblance,  friendly  offices  that  bind, 

And  all  the  compliments  of  courtesy ; 

They  teach  us  how  to  each  degree  and  kind 

We  should  ourselves  demean,  to  low,  to  high. 
To  friends,  to  foes ;  which  skill  men  call  Civility." 

1  Pronounce  the  final  e  always. 

2  Pronounced  Tha-lei-a,  with  the  emphasis  on  the  second  syllable. 


14 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


The  Fates  were  also  three  —  Clotho,  Lachesis,  and  Atropos. 
Their  office  was  to  spin  the  thread  of  human  destiny,  and  they 

were  armed  with  shears, 
with  which  they  cut  it 
off  when  they  pleased. 
They  were  the  daugh- 
ters of  Themis  (Law), 
who  sits  by  Jove  on  his 
throne  to  give  him 
counsel. 

The  Erinnyes,  or  Fu- 
ries, were   three   god- 
desses  who    punished 
crimes  by  their  secret 
stings.      The  heads  of 
the     Furies     were 
wreathed  with  serpents, 
and   their  whole    ap- 
pearance   was    terrific 
and    appalling.      Their    names  were 
Alecto,   Tisiphone,   and    Megger  a. 
They  were  also  called  Eumenides. 

Nemesis  was  also  an  avenging  god- 
dess. She  represents  the  righteous 
anger  of  the  gods,  particularly  to- 
wards the  proud  and  insolent. 

Pan^  was  the  god  of  flocks  and 
shepherds.  His  favorite  residence, 
as  the  Greeks  describe  him,  was  in 
Arcadia. 

The  Satyrs  were  deities  of  the 
woods  and  fields.  They  were  con- 
ceived to  be  covered  with  bristly  hair, 
their  heads  decorated  with  short, 
sprouting  horns,  and  their  feet  like 
MELPOMENE.  goats'  fcet. 

Momus  was  the  god  of  laughter,  and  Plutus  the  god  of  wealth. 

*  The  name  Pan  means  everything,  and  he  is  sometimes  spoken  of  as  the  god 
of  all  nature. 


INTRODUCTION. 


15 


Roman  Divinities. 

The  preceding  are  Grecian  divinities,  though  received  also 
by  the  Romans.  Those  which  follow  are  peculiar  to  Roman 
mythology. 

Saturn  was  an  ancient  Italian  deity. 
The  Roman  poets  tried  to  identify  him 
with  the  Grecian  god  Kronos,  and  fabled 
that  after  his  dethronement  by  Jupiter, 
he  fled  to  Italy,  where  he  reigned  during 
what  was  called  the  Golden  Age.  In 
memory  of  his  beneficent  dominion,  the 
feast  of  Saturnalia  was  held  every  year 
in  the  winter  season.  Then  all  public 
business  was  suspended,  declarations  of 
war  and  criminal  executions  were  post- 
poned, friends  made  presents  to  one 
another,  and  the  slaves  were  indulged  with 
great  liberties.  A  feast  was  given  them 
at  which  they  sat  at  table,  while  their 
masters  served  them,  to  show  the  natural 
equality  of  men,  and  that 
all  things  belonged  equally 
to  all,  in  the  reign  of  Saturn. 

Faunus,^  the  grandson  of 
Saturn,  was  worshipped 
as  the  god  of  fields  and 
shepherds,  and  also  as  a 
prophetic  god.  His  name 
in  the  plural.  Fauns,  ex- 
pressed a  class  of  gamesome 
deities,  like  the  Satyrs  of 
the  Greeks. 

Quirinus  was  a  war 
god,  said  to  be  no 
other  than  Romulus 
the  founder  of  Rome, 
exalted  after  his  death  to  a  place  among  the  gods. 

1  There  was  also  a  goddess  called  Fauna,  or  Bona  Dea. 


16 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


EUTERPE. 


Bellona,  a  war  goddess. 

Terminus,  the  god  of  landmarks.  His  statue  was  a  rude 
stone  or  post,  set  in  the  ground  to  mark 
the  boundaries  of  fields. 

Pales,  the  goddess  presiding  over  cattle 
and  pastures. 

Pomona  presided  over  fruit-trees. 
Flora,  the  goddess  of  flowers. 
Lucina,  the  goddess  of  childbirth. 
Vesta  (the  Hestia  of  the  Greeks,)  was 
a  deity  presiding  over  the  public  and 
private  hearth.     A  sacred   fire,  tended 
by  six  virgin  priestesses  called  Vestals, 
flamed  in  her  temple.     As  the  safety  of 
the  city  was  held  to  be  connected  with 
its    conservation,   the    neglect    of    the 
virgins,   if    they    let    it    go    out,    was 
severely  punished,  and  the  fire  was  re- 
kindled from  the  rays  of  the  sun. 
Liber  is  another  Latin  name  of  Bacchus ; 
and  Mulciber  of  Vulcan. 

Janus  was  the  porter  of  heaven.  He  opens 
4!  the  year,  the  first  month  being  named  after 
7/i  him.  He  is  the  guardian  deity  of  gates,  on 
which  account  he  is  commonly  represented 
with  two  heads,  because  every  door  looks 
two  ways.  His  temples  at  Rome  were 
numerous.  In  war  time  the  gates  of  the 
principal  one  were  always  open.  In  peace 
they  were  closed ;  but  they  Avere  shut  only 
once  between  the  reign  of  Numa  and  that 
of  Augustus. 

The  Penates  were  the  gods  who  were  sup- 
posed to  attend  to  the  welfare  and  pros- 
perity of  the  family.  Their  name  is  derived 
from  Penus,  the  pantry,  which  was  sacred  to 
them.  Every  master  of  a  family  was  the  priest  to  the  Penates 
of  his  own  house. 


TERPSICHORE. 


INTKODUCTIOX. 


17 


The  Lares,  or  Lai's,  were  also  household  gods,  but  Ji 
from  the  Penates  in  being  regarded  as  the  deified  spir 
mortals.  The  family  Lars  were  held  to  be 
the  souls  of  the  ancestors,  who  watched  over 
and  protected  their  descendants.  The  words 
Lemur  and  Larva  more  nearly  correspond  to 
our  word  Ghost. 

The  Romans  believed  that  every  man  had 
his  Genius,  and  every  woman  her  Juno;  that 
is,  a  si)ii-it  who  had  given  them  being,  and 
was  regarded  as  a  protector  through  life. 
On  birthdays  men  made  offerings  to  their 
Genius,  women  to  their  Juno. 

Macaulay  thus  alludes  to  some  of  the  Roman 
o-ods :  — 


'  Pomona  loves  the  orclianl, 
And  Liber  loves  the  vine, 
And  Pales  loves  the  straw-built  shed 
Warm  with  the  breath  of  kine ; 
And  Venus  loves  the  whisper 
Of  plighted  youth  and  maid 
In  April's  ivory  moonlight, 
Beneath  the  chestnut  shade." 

"  Prophecrj  of  Capijs." 


ffered 
its  of 


POLYllVMMA. 


N.  B.  —  It  is  to  be  observed  that  in 
proper  names  the  final  e  and  es  are  to 
be  sounded.  Thus  Cybele  and  Penates 
are  words  of  three  syllables.  But 
Proserpine  and  Thebes  have  been  so 
long  used  as  English  words,  that  they 
may  be  regarded  as  exceptions,  to  be 
pronounced  as  if  English.  Hecate  is 
sometimes  pronounced  by  the  poets  as 
a  dissylable.  In  the  Index  at  the  close 
of  the  volume,  we  shall  mark  the  ac- 
cented syllable,  in  all  words  which  ap- 
]iear  to  require  it. 


^>t 


CHAPTER  II. 


PROMETHEUS  AND  PANDORA. —ArOLLO  AND  DAPHNE. 

THE  Roman  poet  Ovid  gives  us  a  connected  narrative 
of  creation.  Before  the  eartli  and  sea  and  the  all-covering 
heaven,  one  aspect,  which  we  call  Chaos,  covered  all  the  face 
of  Nature,  —  a  rough  heap  of  inert  weight  and  discordant 
beginnings  of  things  clashing  together.  As  yet  no  sun  gav(j 
light  to  the  world,  nor  did  the  moon  renew  her  slender  liorn 
month  by  month,  —  neither  did  the  earth  hang  in  the  sur- 
rounding air,  poised  by  its  own  weight,  —  nor  did  the  sea 
stretch  its  long  arms  around  the  earth.  Wherever  there  was 
earth,  there  also  was  sea  and  air.  So  the  earth  was  not  solid 
nor  was  the  water  fluid,  neither  was  the  air  transparent. 

God  and  Nature  at  last  interposed  and  put  an  end  to  this 
discord,  separating  earth  fi'om  sea,  and  heaven  from  both. 
The  fiery  part,  being  the  lightest,  sprang  up,  and  formed  the 
skies ;  the  air  was  next  in  weight  and  place.  The  earth,  beiiig 
heavier,  sank  below,  and  the  water  took  the  lowest  place  and 
buoyed  up  the  earth. 

Here  some  god,  no  man  knows  who,  arranged  and  divided 
the  land.  He  placed  the  rivers  and  bays,  raised  mountains 
and  dug  out  valleys  and  distributed  woods,  fountains,  fertile 
fields  and  stony  plains.  Now  that  the  air  was  clear  the  stars 
shone  out,  the  fishes  swam  the  sea  and  birds  flew  in  the  air, 
while  the  fourfooted  beasts  roamed  around  the  earth.  But  a 
nobler  animal  was  needed,  and  man  was  made  in  the  image  of 

(18) 


PROMETHEUS    AND    PANDORA.  11* 

tlie  gods  with  an  upright  stature,'  so  that  while  all  other 
animals  turn  their  faces  downward  and  look  to  the  earth,  he 
raises  his  face  to  heaven  and  gazes  on  the  stars.^ 

To  Prometheus  the  Titan  and  to  his  brother  Epimetheus 
was  committed  the  task  of  making  man  and  all  other  animals, 
and  of  endoAving  them  with  all  needful  faculties.  This  Epi- 
metheus did,  and  his  brother  overlooked  the  work.  Epimetheus 
then  gave  to  the  different  animals  their  several  gifts  of  courage, 
strength,  swiftness  and  sagacity.  He  gave  wings  to  one,  claws 
to  another,  a  shelly  covering  to  the  third.  Man,  superior  to  all 
other  animals,  came  last.  But  for  man  Epimetheus  had 
nothing,  —  he  had  bestowed  all  his  gifts  elsewhere.  He  came 
to  his  brother  for  help,  and  Prometheus,  with  the  aid  of 
Minerva,  went  up  to  heaven,  lighted  his  torch  at  the  chariot 
of  the  sun,  and  brought  down  fire  to  man.  With  this,  man  was 
more  than  equal  to  all  other  animals.  Fire  enabled  him  to 
make  weapons  to  subdue  wild  beasts,  tools  with  which  to  till 
the  earth.  With  fire  he  warmed  his  dwelling  and  bid  defiance 
to  the  cold. 

Woman  was  not. yet  made.  The  story  is,  that  Jupiter  made 
her,  and  sent  her  to  Prometheus  and  his  brother,  to  punish 
them  for  their  presumption  in  stealing  fire  from  heaven  ;  and 
man,  for  accepting  the  gift.  The  first  woman  was  named 
Pandora.  She  w^as  made  in  heaven,  every  god  contributing 
something  to  perfect  her.  Venus  gave  her  beauty,  Mercury 
persuasion,  Apollo  music.  Thus  equipped,  she  was  conveyed 
to  earth,  and  presented  to  Epimetheus,  who  gladly  accepted 
her,  though  cautioned  by  his  brother  to  beware  of  Jupiter  and 
his  gifts.  Epimetheus  had  in  his  house  a  jar,  in  which  were 
kept  certain  noxious  articles,  for  which,  in  fitting  man  for  his 
new  abode,  he  had  had  no  occasion.  Pandora  was  seized  Avith 
an  eager  curiosity  to  know  what  this  jar  contained ;  and  one 
day  she  slipped  off  the  cover  and  looked  in.     Forthwith  there 

1  The  two  Greek  words  for  man  have  the  root  an,  "  up." 

2  Every  reader  will  be  interested  in  comparinff  this  narrative  with  that  in  the 
beginning  of  Genesis.  It  seems  clear  that  so  many  Jews  were  in  Rome  in  Ovid's 
days,  many  of  whom  were  people  of  consideration  among  those  with  whom  he 
lived,  that  he  may  have  heard  the  account  in  the  Hebrew  Scriptures  translated. 
Compare  Judaism  by  Prof.  Frederic  Huidekoper. 


20  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

escaped  a  multitude  of  ]»lagues  for  hapless  man,  — such  as 
gout,  rheumatism,  and  colic  for  his  body,  and  envy,  spite,  and 
revenge  for  his  mind,  —  and  scattered  themselves  far  and  wide. 
Pandora  hastened  to  replace  the  lid ;  but,  alas  !  the  whole  con- 
tents of  the  jar  had  escaped,  one  tiling  only  excepted,  which 
lay  at  the  bottom,  and  that  was  hope.  So  we  see  at  this  day, 
whatever  evils  are  abroad,  hope  never  entirely  leaves  us ;  and 
while  we  have  thaU  no  amount  of  other  ills  can  make  us  com- 
pletely wretched. 

Another  story  is,  that  Pandora  was  sent  in  good  faith,  by 
Jupiter,  to  bless  man ;  that  she  was  furnished  with  a  box,  con- 
taining her  marriage  presents,  into  which  every  god  had  put 
some  blessing.  She  opened  the  box  incautiously,  and  the 
blessings  all  escaped,  hope  only  excepted.  This  story  seems 
more  consistent  than  the  former ;  for  how  could  hope.,  so  precious 
a  jewel  as  it  is,  have  been  kept  in  a  jar  full  of  all  manner  of 
evils? 

The  world  being  thus  furnished  with  inhabitants,  the  first 
age  was  an  age  of  innocence  and  happiness,  called  the  Golden 
Age.  Truth  and  right  prevailed,  though  not  enforced  by  law, 
nor  was  there  any  magistrate  to  threaten  or  punish.  The  forest 
had  not  yet  been  robbed  of  its  trees  to  furnish  timbers  for  ves- 
sels, nor  had  men  built  fortifications  round  their  towns.  There 
were  no  such  things  as  swords,  spears,  or  helmets.  The  earth 
brought  forth  all  things  necessary  for  man,  Avithout  his  labor  in 
ploughing  or  sowing.  Perpetual  spring  reigned,  flowers  sprang 
np  without  seed,  the  rivers  flowed  with  milk  and  wine,  and 
yellow  honey  distilled  from  the  oaks. 

"  But  when  good  Satuvn,  bani--heil  from  above, 
Was  driven  to  bell,  the  world  was  under  Jove. 
Succeeding  times  a  Silver  Age  behold, 
Excelling  brass,  but  more  excelled  by  gold. 
Then  summer,  autumn,  winter  did  appear. 
And  spring  was  but  a  season  of  the  year. 
The  sun  his  annual  course  obliquely  made, 
Good  days  contracted  and  enlarged  the  bad. 
Then  air,  with  sultry  heats,  began  to  glow ; 
The  wings  of  winds  were  clogged  with  ice  and  snow; 
And  shivering  mortals  into  houses  driven. 
Sought  shelter  from  the  inclemencv  of  heaven. 


PROMETHEUS  AND  PANDORA.  21 

Those  liouses  then  were  eaves,  or  liomely  sheds; 
With  twining  osiers  fenced;  and  moss  their  beds. 
Then  ploughs,  for  seed,  the  fruitful  furrows  broke, 
And  oxen  labored  first  beneath  the  j-oker 

To  this  came  next  in  course  the  Brazen  Age  : 
A  warlike  offspring,  prompt  to  bloody  rage,    ,, 
Not  impious  yet !  .  .  . 

.  .  .  Hard  Steel  succeeded  then : 
And  stubborn  as  the  metal  were  the  men." 

Ovid's  Metam,  Book  I.     Dryden's  Translation. 

Crime  burst  in  like  a  flood ;  modesty,  truth,  and  honor  fled. 
In  their  places  came  fraud  and  cunning,  violence,  and  the 
wicked  love  of  gain.  Then  seamen  spread  sails  to  the  vrind, 
and  the  trees  were  torn  from  the  mountains  to  serve  for  keels 
to  ships,  and  vex  the  face  of  ocean.  The  earth,  which  till  now 
had  been  cultivated  in  common,  began  to  be  divided  off  into 
]jossessions.  Men  were  not  satisfied  with  what  the  surface 
produced,  but  must  dig  into  its  bowels,  and  draw  forth  from 
thence  the  ores  of  metals.  Mischievous  iron,  and  more  mis- 
chievous gold,  Avere  produced.  War  sprang  up,  using  both  as 
Aveapons ;  the  guest  was  not  safe  in  his  friend's  house ;  and 
sons-in-law  and  fathers-in-law,  brothers  and  sisters,  husbands 
and  wives,  could  not  trust  one  another.  Sons  wished  their 
fathei's  dead,  that  they  might  come  to  the  inheritance  ;  family 
love  lay  prostrate.  The  earth  was  wet  with  slaughter,  and  the 
gods  abandoned  it,  one  by  one,  till  Astraea  ^  alone  was  left,  and 
finally  she  also  took  her  departure. 

Jupiter,  seeing  this  state  of  things,  burned  with  anger.  He 
summoned  the  gods  to  council.   They  obeyed  the  call,  and  took 

1  The  goddess  of  innocence  and  purity.  After  leaving  earth,  she  was  placed 
among  the  stars,  where  she  became  the  constellation  Virgo  —  the  Virgin.  Themis 
(Justice)  was  the  mother  of  Astrsea.  She  is  represented  as  holding  aloft  a  pair  of 
scales,  in  which  she  weighs  the  claims  of  opposing  parties. 

It  was  a  favorite  idea  of  the  old  poets,  that  these  goddesses  would  one  day  re- 
turn, and  bring  back  the  Golden  Age.  Even  in  a  Christian  Hymn,  the  Messiah 
of  Pope,  this  idea  occurs. 

"  All  crimes  shall  cease,  and  ancient  fraud  shall  fail. 
Returning  Justice  lift  aloft  her  scale. 
Peace  o'er  the  world  her  olive  wand  extend. 
And  white-robed  Innocence  from  heaven  descend." 

See,  also,  Milton's  Hymn  on  the  Nativity,  stanzas  xiv.  and  xv. 


22  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

the  road  to  the  palace  of  heaven.  The  road,  which  any  one  may 
see  in  a  clear  night,  stretches  across  the  face  of  the  sky,  and  is 
called  the  Milky  Way.  Along  the  road  stand  the  palaces  of  the 
illustrious  gods;  the  corainon  people  of  the  skies  live  apart,  on 
either  side.  Jupiter  addressed  the  assembly.  He  set  forth 
tlie  frightful  condition  of  things  on  the  earth,  and  closed  by 
announcing  his  intention  to  destroy  the  whole  of  its  inhab- 
itants, and  provide  a  new  race,  unlike  the  first,  who  would-be 
more  worthy  of  life,  and  much  better  worshippers  of  the  gods. 
So  saying  he  took  a  thunderbolt,  and  was  about  to  launch  it  at 
the  world,  and  destroy  it  by  burning  it;  but  recollecting  the  dan- 
ger that  such  a  conflagration  might  set  heaven  itself  on  fire,  he 
changed  his  plan,  and  resolved  to  drown  the  world.  Aquilo, 
north  wind,  which  scatters  the  clouds,  was  chained  up;  Notus, 
the  south,  Avas  sent  out,  and  soon  covered  all  the  face  of  heaven 
with  a  cloak  of  pitchy  darkness.  The  clouds,  driven  together, 
resound  with  a  crash ;  torrents  of  rairt  fall ;  the  crops  are  laid 
low ;  the  year's  labor  of  the  husbandman  perishes  in  an  hour. 
Jupiter,  not  satisfied  with  his  own  waters,  calls  on  his  brother 
Neptune  to  aid  him  with  his.  He  lets  loose  the  rivers,  and 
pours  them  over  the  land.  At  the  same  time,  he  heaves  the 
land  with  an  earthquake,  and  brings  in  the  reflux  of  the  ocean 
over  the  shores.  Flocks,  herds,  men,  and  houses  are  swej)! 
away,  and  temples,  with  their  sacred  enclosures,  profaned.  If 
any  edifice  remained  standing,  it  Avas  overwhelmed,  and  its 
turrets  lay  hid  beneath  the  waves.  Noav  all  was  sea ;  sea  with- 
out shore.  Here  and  there  some  one  remained  on  a  project- 
ing hill-top,  and  a  few,  in  boats,  pulled  the  oar  where  they 
had  lately  driven  the  plough.  The  fishes  swim  among  the 
tree-tops;  the  anchor  is  let  down  into  a  garden.  Where 
the  graceful  lambs  played  but  now,  unwieldy  sea-calves  gambol. 
The  wolf  swims  among  the  sheep;  the  yellow  lions  and  tigers 
struggle  in  the  water.  The  strength  of  the  wild  boar  serves 
him  not,  nor  his  swiftness  the  stag.  The  birds  fall  with  weary 
wing  into  the  water,  having  found  no  land  for  a  resting-place. 
Those  living  beings  whom  the  Avater  spared  fell  a  prey  to 
hunger. 

Parnassus  alone,  of  all  the  mountains,  overtopped  the  Avaves; 


PROMETHEUS  AND  PANDORA.  23 

and  llicre  Deucalion  and  his  wife  Pyrrha,  of  the  race  of 
Prometheus,  found  refuge  —  lie  a  just  man,  and  she  a  faithful 
worshipper  of  the  gods.  Jupiter,  when  he  saw  none  left  alive 
but  this  pair,  and  remembered  their  harmless  lives  and  pious 
demeanor,  ordered  the  north  winds  to  drive  away  the  clouds, 
and  disclose  the  skies  to  earth,  and  earth  to  the  skies.  Neptune 
also  directed  Triton  to  blow  on  his  shell,  and  sound  a  retreat 
to  the  waters.  The  waters  obeyed,  and  the  sea  returned  to  its 
shores,  and  the  rivers  to  their  channels.  Then  Deucalion  thus 
addressed  Pyrrha:  "O  wife,  only  surviving  woman,  joined  to 
me  first  by  the  ties  of  kindred  and  marriage,  and  now  by  a 
common  danger,  would  that  we  possessed  the  power  of  our 
ancestor  Prometheus,  and  could  renew  the  race  as  he  at  first 
made  it !  But  as  we  cannot,  let  us  seek  yonder  temple,  and 
inquire  of  the  gods  Avhat  remains  for  us  to  do."  They  entered 
the  temple,  deformed  as  it  was  with  slime,  and  approached  the 
altar,  where  no  fire  burned.  There  they  fell  prostrate  on 
the  earth,  and  prayed  the  goddess  to  inform  them  how  they 
might  retrieve  their  miserable  affairs.  The  oracle  answered, 
"Depart  from  the  temple  with  head  veiled  and  garments 
unbound,  and  cast  behind  you  the  bones  of  your  mother." 
They  heard  the  words  with  astonishment.  Pyrrha  first  broke 
silence:  "We  cannot  obey;  we*dare  not  profane  the  remains 
of  our  parents."  They  sought  the  thickest  shades  of  the 
wood,  and  i*evolved  the  oracle  in  their  minds.  At  length 
Deucalion  spoke:  "Either  my  sagacity  deceives  me,  or  the 
command  is  one  we  may  obey  without  impiety.  The  earth  is 
the  great  parent  of  all ;  the  stones  are  her  bones ;  these  we 
may  cast  behind  us;  and  I  think  this  is  what  the  oracle  means. 
At  least,  it  will  do  no  harm  to  try."  They  veiled  their  faces, 
unbound  their  garments,  and  picked  up  stones,  and  cast  them 
behind  them.  The  stones  (wonderful  to  relate)  began  to 
grow  soft,  and  assume  shape.  By  degrees,  they  put  on  a  rude 
resemblance  to  the  human  form,  like  a  block  half  finished  in 
the  hands  of  the  sculptor.  The  moisture  and  slime  that  were 
about  them  became  flesh  ;  the  stony  part  became  bones  ;  the 
veins  remained  veins,  retaining  their  name,  only  changing  their 
use.     Those  thrown  by  the  hand  of  the  man  became  men,  and 


24  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

those  by  the  woman  became  women.  It  was  a  hard  race, 
and  well  adapted  to  labor,  as  we  find  ourselves  to  be  at  this 
day,  giving  jjlain  indications  of  our  origin. 

The  comparison  of  Eve  to  Pandora  is  too  obvious  to  have 
escaped  Milton,  Avho  introduces  it  in  Book  IV.  of  Paradise 
Lost :  — 

"More  lovely  than  Pandora,  whom  the  j;'ods 
Endowed  with  all  their  g'ifts;  and  O,  too  like 
In  sad  event,  when  to  the  unwiser  son 
Of  Japhet,  hroiight  by  Hermes,  she  ensnared 
Mankind  with  her  fair  looks,  to  l)e  avenged 
On  him  who  had  stole  Jove's  authentic  fire." 

Prometheus  and  Epimetheus  were  sons  of  lapetus,  which 
Milton  changes  to  Japhet. 

Prometheus,  the  Titan  son  of  lapetus  and  Themis,  is  a  favor- 
ite subject  Avith  tlie  poets.  iEschylus  wrote  three  tragedies  on 
tlie  subjects  of  his  confinement,  his  release,  and  his  worship  at 
Athens,  Of  these  only  the  first  is  preserved,  the  Prometheus 
I)Ound.  Prometheus  was  the  only  one  in  the  council  of  the 
gods  who  favored  man.  He  alone  was  kind  to  the  human  race, 
and  taught  and  protected  them. 

"  I  formed  his  mind, 
And  through  the  cloud  of  Ijarbarous  ignorance 
Ditl'iised  the  beams  of  knowledge.  ... 
They  saw  indeed,  they  heard,  but  what  availed 
Or  sight  or  hearing,  all  things  round  them  rolling, 
Like  the  unreal  imagery  of  dreams 
In  wild  confusion  mixed  !     The  lightsome  wall 
Of  finer  masonrj',  the  raftered  roof 
They  knew  not;  but  like  ants  still  ]3uricd,  delved 
Deep  in  the  earth  and  scooped  their  sunless  caves. 
Unmarked  the  seasons  ranged,  the  biting  winter, 
The  flower-perfumed  spring,  the  ripening  summer 
Fertile  of  fruits.     At  random  all  their  works 
Till  I  instructed  them  to  mark  the  stars, 
Their  rising,  and,  a  harder  science  yet, 
Their  setting.     The  rich  train  of  marshalled  numbers 
I  taught  them,  aild  the  meet  array  of  letters. 
To  impress  these  precepts  on  their  hearts  I  sent 
Memory,  the  active  mother  of  all  reason. 
I  taught  the  patient  steer  to  bear  the  yoke. 
In  all  his  toils  joint-laborer  of  man. 


PROMETHEUS    AND    PANDORA. 


25 


By  mc  the  harnessed  steeil  was  trained  to  whirl 
The  rapid  car,  and  grace  the  pride  of  wealth. 
The  tall  bark,  lightly  bounding  o'er  the  waves, 
I  taught  its  coarse,  and  winged  its  flying  sail. 
To  man  I  gave  these  arts." 

Potter's  Translation  from  the  Prometheus  Bound. 

Jupiter,  angry  at  the  insolence  and  presumption  of  Prome- 
theus in  taking  upon  himself  to  give  all  these  blessings  to 
man,  condemned  the  Titan  to  perpetual  imprisonment,  bound 
on  a  rock  on  Mount  Caucasus  while  a  vulture  should  forever 
prey  upon  his  liver.     This  state  of  torment  might  at  any  time 


have  been  brought  to  an  end  by  Prometheus  if  he  had  been 
willing  to  submit  to  his  oppressor.  For  Prometheus  knew  of  a 
fatal  marriage  which  Jove  must  make  and  by  which  he  must 
come  to  ruin.  Had  Prometheus  revealed  this  secret  he  would 
at  once  have  been  taken  into  favor.  But  this  he  disdained 
to  do.     He  has  therefore  become  the  symbol  of  magnanimoiis 


26  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

endurance  of  unmerited  suffering,  and  strengtli  of  will  resist- 
ing oppression. 

Byron  and  Slielley  have  botli  treated  tliis  theme.  The  fol- 
lowing are  Byron's  lines  :  — 

"  Titan!  to  whose  immortal  eyes 

The  suiferings  of  mortality, 

Seen  in  their  sad  reality, 
Were  not  as  things  that  gods  despise, 
What  was  thy  pity's  recompense  ? 
A  silent  suffering,  and  intense ; 
The  rock,  the  vulture,  and  the  chain ; 
All  that  the  proud  can  feel  of  pain ; 
The  agony  they  do  not  show ; 
The  suffocating  sense  of  woe. 

"  Thj'  godlike  crime  was  to  be  kind  ; 

To  render  with  thy  precepts  less 

The  sum  of  human  w^-etchcdncss, 
And  strengthen  man  with  his  own  mind. 

And,  bafHed  as  thou  wert  from  high, 

Still,  in  thy  patient  energy, 
In  the  endurance  and  repulse. 

Of  thine  impenetrable  spirit, 
Whicli  earth  and  heaven  could  not  convulse, 

A  mighty  lesson  we  inherit." 

Pythois-. 

The  slime  with  which  the  earth  was  coA'ered  by  the  waters 
of  the  flood,  produced  an  excessive  fertility,  Avhich  called 
forth  every  variety  of  production,  both  bad  and  good.  Among 
the  rest,  Python,  an  enormous  serpent,  crept  forth,  the  terror 
of  the  people,  and  lurked  in  the  caves  of  Mount  Parnassus. 
Apollo  slew  him  with  his  arrows  —  weapons  which  he  had  not 
l)efore  used  against  any  but  feeble  animals,  hares,  wild  goats, 
and  such  game.  In  commemoration  of  this  illustrious  conquest 
he  instituted  the  Pythian  games,  in  Avhich  the  victor  in  feats 
of  strength,  swiftness  of  foot,  or  in  the  chariot  race,  was 
crowned  with  a  wreath  of  beech-leaves  ;  for  the  laurel  was  not 
yet  adopted  by  Apollo  as  his  own  tree.  And  here  Apollo 
founded  his  oracle  at  Delphi,  the  only  oracle  "  that  was  not  ex- 
clusively national,  for  it  was  consulted  by  many  outside  nations, 


APOLLO    AND    DAPHNE .  27 

and,  in  fact,  was  held  in  the  highest  repute  all  over  the  world. 
In  obedience  to  its  decrees,  the  laws  of  Lycurgus  were  intro- 
duced, and  the  earliest  Greek  colonies  founded.  No  cities  were 
built  without  first  consulting  the  Delphic  oracle,  for  it  was  be- 
lieved that  Apollo  took  special  delight  in  the  founding  of  cities, 
the  first  stone  of  which  he  laid  in  person ;  nor  was  any  enter- 
])rise  ever  undertaken  without  inquiry  at  this  sacred  fane  as 
to  its  probable  success."^ 

The  famous  statue  of  Apollo  called  the  Belvedere  ^  represents 
the  god  after  his  victory  over  the  serpent  Python.  To  tJiis 
Byron  alludes  in  his  Childe  Harold,  iv.  161 :  — 

"  The  lonl  of  the  iinen-ing  how, 
The  god  of  life,  and  poetry,  and  hght, 
The  Sun,  in  human  limbs  arrayed,  and  brow 
All  radiant  from  his  triumph  in  the  fight. 
The  shaft  has  just  been  shot;  the  arrow  bright 
With  an  immortal's  vengeance  ;  in  his  eye 
And  nostril,  beautiful  disdain,  and  might, 
And  majesty  flash  their  full  lightnings  bj', 
Developing  in  that  one  glance  the  Deity." 

Apollo  and  Daphne. 

Daphne  was  Apollo's  first  love.  It  was  not  brought  about 
by  accident,  but  by  the  malice  of  Cupid.  Apollo  saw  the  boy 
])]aying  with  his  bow  and  arrows;  and  being  himself  elated  with 
liis  recent  victory  over  Python,  he  said  to  him,  "What  have  you 
to  do  Avith  warlike  weapons,  saucy  boy  ?  Leave  them  for  hands 
worthy  of  them.  Behold  the  conquest  I  have  won  by  means  of 
tliem  over  the  vast  serpent  who  stretched  his  poisonous  body 
over  acres  of  the  plain  !  Be  content  with  your  torch,  child, 
and  kindle  up  your  flames,  as  you  call  them,  where  you  will, 
but  presume  not  to  meddle  with  my  weapons." 

Venus's  boy  heard  these  words,  and  rejoined,  "Your  arrows 
may  strike  all  things  else,  Apollo,  but  mine  shall  strike  you." 
80  saying,  he  took  his  stand  on  a  rock  of  Parnassus,  and  drew 
from  his  quiver  two  arrows  of  different  workmanship,  one  to 
excite  love,  the  other  to  repel  it.     The  former  was  of  gold  and 

'  From  Beren's  IMyths  and  Legends  of  Greece  and  Rome. 
2  From  the  Belvedere  of  the  Vatican  palace  where  it  stands. 


28  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

sharp-pointed,  the  latter  bhmt  and  tipped  witli  lead.  With 
tlie  leaden  shaft  he  struck  the  nymph  Daphne,  the  daughter 
of  the  river  god  Peneus,  and  with  the  golden  one  Apollo, 
through  the  heart.  Forthwith  the  god  was  seized  with  love  for 
the  maiden,  and  she  abhorred  the  thought  of  loving.  Her 
delight  was  in  woodland  sports  and  in  the  spoils  of  the  chase. 
Many  lovers  sought  her,  but  she  spurned  them  all,  ranging  the 
woods,  and  taking  thought  neither  of  Cupid  nor  of  Hymen.  Her 
father  often  said  to  her,  "  Daughter,  you  owe  me  a  son-in-law ; 
you  owe  me  grandchildren."  She,  hating  the  thought  of 
marriage  as  a  crime,  with  her  beautiful  face  tinged  all  over 
with  blushes,  threw  her  arms  around  her  father's  neck,  and 
said,  "Dearest  father,  grant  me  this  favor,  that  I  may  always 
remain  unmarried,  like  Diana."  He  consented,  but  at  the  same 
time  said,  "  Your  own  face  will  forbid  it." 

Apollo  loved  her,  and  longed  to  obtain  lier ;  and  he  who 
gives  oracles  to  all  the  Avorld  was  not  wise  enough  to  look  into 
his  own  fortunes.  He  saw  her  hair  flung  loose  over  her 
shoulders,  and  said,  "  If  so  charming  in  disorder,  what  would 
it  be  if  arranged  ?  "  He  saw  her  eyes  bright  as  stars ;  he  saw 
her  lips,  and  was  not  satisfied  with  only  seeing  them.  He 
admired  her  hands  and  arms  bared  to  the  shoulder,  and  what- 
ever was  hidden  from  view  he  imagined  more  beautiful  still. 
He  followed  her ;  she  fled,  swifter  than  the  wind,  and  delayed 
not  a  moment  at  his  entreaties.  "Stay,"  said  he,  "daughter 
of  Peneus ;  I  am  not  a  foe.  Do  not  fly  me  as  a  lamb  flies  the 
wolf,  or  a  dove  the  hawk.  It  is  for  love  I  pursue  you.  You 
make  me  miserable,  for  fear  you  should  fall  and  hurt  yourself 
on  these  .stones,  and  I  should  be  the  cause.  Pray  run  slower, 
and  I  will  follow  slower.  I  am  no  clown,  no  rude  peasant. 
Jupiter  is  my  father,  and  I  am  lord  of  Delphos  and  Tenedos, 
and  know  all  things,  present  and  future.  I  am  the  god  of  song 
and  the  lyre.  My  arrows  fly  true  to  the  mark ;  but  alas !  an 
arrow  more  fatal  than  mine  has  i)ierced  my  heart !  I  am  the 
god  of  medicine,  and  know  the  virtues  of  all  healing  plants. 
Alas !  I  suffer  a  malady  that  no  balm  can  cure  !" 

The  nymph  continued  her  flight,  and  left  his  ])lea  half 
uttered.     And  even  as  she  fled  she  charmed  him.     The  wind 


APOLLO    AND    DAPHNE. 


29 


hlow  l>cr  garments,  and  lier  unbound  hair  streamed  loose 
l)eliind  her.  Tlie  god  grew  impatient  to  find  his  wooings 
tlirown  away,  and,  sped  by  Cupid,  gained  upon  her  in  the 
race.  It  was  like  a  hound  pursuing  a  hare,  with  open  jaws 
ready  to  seize,  while  the  feebler  animal  darts  forward,  slipping 
from  the  very  grasp.  So  flew  the  god  and  the  virgin  —  he  on 
the  wings  of  love,  and  she  on  those  of  fear.  The  pursuer  is  the 
more  rapid,  how- 
ever, and  gains 
upon  her,  and  his 
j)anting  breath 
blows  upon  her 
ban-.  Now  her 
strength  begins 
to  fail,  and,  ready 
to  sink,  she  calls 
upon  her  father, 
the  river  god  : 
"  Help  me,  Pene- 
u  s !  open  the 
earth  to  enclose 
me,  or  change  my 
form,  which  has 
brought  me  into 
this  da n g e r  !  " 
Scarcely  had  she  spoken,  when  a  stiffness  seized  all  her  limbs ; 
her  bosom  began  to  be  enclosed  in  a  tender  bark  ;  her  hair  be- 
came leaves;  her  arms  became  branches;  her  feet  stuck  fast 
in  the  ground,  as  roots;  her  face  became  a  tree-top,  retaining 
nothing  of  its  former  self  but  its  beauty.  Apollo  stood  amazed. 
He  touched  the  stem,  and  felt  the  flesh  tremble  under  the  new 
bark.  He  embraced  the  branches,  and  lavished  kisses  on  the 
wood.  The  branches  shrank  from  his  li]>s.  "  Since  you  cannot 
be  my  wife,"  said  he,  "you  shall  assuredly  be  my  tree.  I  will 
wear  you  for  my  crown.  With  you  I  will  decorate  my  harp 
and  my  quiver ;  and  when  the  great  Roman  conquerors  lead  up 
the  triumphal  pomp  to  the  Capitol,  you  shall  be  woven  into 
wreaths  for  their  brows.     And,  as  eternal  youth  is  mine,  you 


APOLLO  AND  DAPH 


30  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

also  shall  be  always  green,  and  your  leaf  know  no  decay."  The 
nymph,  now  changed  into  a  laurel  tree,  bowed  its  head  in 
grateful  acknowledgment. 

Apollo  was  god  of  music  and  of  poetry  and  also  of  medicine. 
For,  as  the  poet  Armstrong  says,  himself  a  physician :  — 

"  Music  exalts  each  joy,  allays  each  grief, 
Expels  diseases,  softens  every  pain; 
And  hence  the  wise  of  ancient  days  adored 
One  power  of  physic,  melody,  and  song." 

The  story  of  Apollo  and  Daphne  is  often  alluded  to  by  the 
poets.  Waller  apjDlies  it  to  the  case  of  one  Avhose  amatory 
verse's,  though  they  did  not  soften  the  heart  of  his  mistress,  yet 
won  for  the  j)oet  wide-spread  fame. 

*'  Yet  what  he  sung  in  his  immortal  strain, 
Though  unsuccessful,  was  not  sung  in  vain. 
All  but  the  nymph  that  should  redress  his  wrong, 
Attend  his  passion  and  approve  his  song. 
Like  Phoebus  thus,  acquiring  unsought  praise, 
He  caught  at  love  and  filled  his  arms  with  baj^s." 

The  following  stanza  from  Shelley's  Adonais  alludes  to 
Byron's  early  quarrel  with  the  reviewers:  — 

"  The  herded  wolves,  bold  only  to  pursue; 
The  obscene  ravens,  clamorous  o'er  the  dead ; 
The  vultures,  to  the  conqueror's  banner  true, 
Who  feed  where  Desolation  first  has  fed. 
And  whose  wings  rain  contagion;  how  thej'  fled. 
When  like  Apollo,  from  his  golden  bow, 
The  Pythian  of  the  age  one  arrow  sped 
And  smiled !     The  spoilers  tempt  no  second  blow; 
They  fawn  on  the  proud  feet  that  spurn  them  as  they  go." 


Pyramus  and  Tiiisbe. 

Pvramns  was  the  handsomest  j-outh,  and  Thisbe  the  fairest 
maiden,  in  all  Babylonia,  where  Semiramis  reigned.  Their 
parents  occupied  adjoining  houses;  and  neighborhood  brought 
the  young  people  together,  and  acquaintance  ripened  into  love. 
They  would  gladly  have  married,  but  their  parents  forbade. 


PYRAMUS    AND    THISBE.  31 

One  thing,  however,  they  could  not  forbid  —  that  love  sliould 
glow  with  equal  ardor  in  the  bosoms  of  both.  They  conversed 
by  signs  and  glances,  and  the  fire  burned  more  intensely  for 
being  covered  up.  In  the  wall  that  ])arted  the  two  houses 
there  was  a  crack,  caused  by  some  fault  in  the  structure.  No 
one  had  remarked  it  before,  but  the  lovers  discovered  it. 
What  will  not  love  discover  ?  It  afforded  a  passage  to  the 
voice ;  and  tender  messages  used  to  ]>ass  backward  and  for- 
Avard  through  the  gap.  As  they  stood,  Pyramus  on  this  side, 
Thisbe  on  that,  their  breaths  Avould  mingle.  "  Cruel  wall," 
they  said,  "  why  do  you  keep  two  lovers  apart  ?  But  we  will 
not  be  ungrateful.  We  owe  you,  we  confess,  the  privilege 
of  transmitting  loving  words  to  willing  ears."  Such  words 
they  uttered  on  different  sides  of  the  wall ;  and  when  night 
came  and  they  must  say  farewell,  they  pressed  their  lips  upon 
the  wall,  she  on  her  side,  he  on  his,  as  they  could  come  no 
nearer. 

One  morning,  when  Aurora  had  put  out  the  stars,  and  the 
sun  had  melted  the  frost  from  the  grass,  they  met  at  the  ac- 
customed spot.  Then,  after  lamenting  their  hard  fate,  they 
agreed  that  next  night,  when  all  was  still,  they  would  slip 
away  from  watchful  eyes,  leave  their  dwellings  and  walk  out 
into  the  fields ;  and  to  insure  a  meeting,  repair  to  a  well-known 
edifice,  standing  without  th€  city's  bounds,  called  the  tomb  of 
Ninus,  and  that  the  one  who  came  first  should  await  the  other 
at  the  foot  of  a  certain  tree.  It  was  a  white  mulberry-tree, 
and  stood  near  a  cool  spring.  All  was  agreed  on,  and  they 
waited  impatiently  for  the  sun  to  go  down  beneath  the  waters 
and  night  to  rise  up  from  them.  Then  cautiously  Thisbe  stole 
forth,  unobserved  by  the  family,  her  head  covered  with  a  veil, 
made  her  way  to  the  monument  and  sat  down  under  the  tree. 
As  she  sat  alone  in  the  dim  light  of  the  evening  she  descried 
a  lioness,  her  jaws  reeking  with  recent  slaughter,  approaching 
the  fountain  to  slake  her  thii-st.  Thisbe  fled  at  the  sight,  and 
sought  refuge  in  the  hollow  of  a  rock.  As  she  fled  she  dropped 
her  veil.  The  lioness,  after  drinking  at  the  spring,  turned  to 
retreat  to  the  woods,  and  seeing  the  veil  on  the  ground,  tossed 
and  rent  it  with  her  bloody  mouth. 


32  STORIES    OF    GODS    AXD    HEROES. 

Pyramus,  having  been  delayed,  now  approached  the  place  of 
meeting.  He  saw  in  the  sand  the  footsteps  of  the  lion,  and 
the  color  fled  from  his  cheeks  at  the  sight.  Presently  lie 
found  the  veil  all  rent  and  bloody.  "  Oh,  hapless  girl,"  said 
he,  "  I  liave  been  the  cause  of  thy  death !  Thou,  more  worthy 
of  life  than  I,  hast  fallen  the  first  victim.  I  will  follow.  I  am 
the  guilty  cause,  in  tempting  thee  forth  to  a  ]>lace  of  such 
peril,  and  not  being  myself  on  the  spot  to  guard  thee.  Come 
forth,  ye  lions,  from  the  rocks,  and  tear  this  guilty  body  with 
your  teeth."  He  took  up  the  veil,  carried  it  with  him  to  the 
apjiointed  tree,  and  covered  it  with  kisses  and  with  tears. 
"My  blood  also  shall  stain  your  texture,"  said  he,  and  drawing 
his  sword  plunged  it  into  his  heart.  The  blood  spirted  from 
the  wound,  and  tinged  the  Avhite  mulberries  of  the  tree  all 
red;  and  sinking  into  the  earth  reached  the  roots,  so  that  the 
red  color  mounted  through  tlie  trunk  to  the  fruit. 

By  this  time,  Thisbe,  still  trembling  with  fear,  yet  wishing 
not  to  disappoint  her  lover,  stepped  cautiously  forth,  looking 
anxiously  for  the  youth,  eager  to  tell  liim  the  danger  she  had 
escaped.  When  she  came  to  tlie  spot  and  saw  the  changed 
color  of  the  mulberries  she  doubted  whether  it  was  the  same 
place.  While  she  liesitated  she  saw  the  form  of  one  struggling 
in  the  agonies  of  death.  She  started  back,  a  shudder  ran 
through  her  frame  as  a  ripple  on  the  face  of  the  still  water 
Avhen  a  sudden  breeze  sweeps  over  it.  But  as  soon  as  she 
recognized  her  lover,  she  screamed  and  beat  her  breast ; 
embracing  the  lifeless  body,  ])ouring  tears  into  its  wounds,  and 
imprinting  kisses  on  the  cold  lips.  "  Oh,  Pyramus,"  she  crie<l, 
"what  has  done  this?  Answer  me,  Pyramus;  it  is  your  own 
Thisbe  that  speaks.  Hear  me,  dearest,  and  lift  that  drooping 
Iiead ! "  At  the  name  of  Thisbe,  Pyramus  opened,  his  eyes, 
then  closed  them  again.  She  saw  her  veil  stained  with  blood 
and  the  scabbard  empty  of  its  sword.  "  Thy  own  hand  lias 
slain  thee,  and  for  my  sake,"  she  said.  "I  too  can  be  brave  for 
once,  and  my  love  is  as  strong  as  thine.  I  will  follow  thee  in 
death,  for  I  have  been  the  cause;  and  death,  which  alone  could 
j)art  us,  shall  not  prevent  my  joining  thee.  And  ye,  unhappy 
parents  of  us  both,  deny  us  not  our  united  request.     As  love 


PYRAMUS    AND    TIIISBE.  33 

and  (leatli  hflA^c  joined  us,  let  one  tomb  contain  us.  And  thou, 
tree,  retain  the  marks  of  shaughter.  Let  thy  berries  still  serve 
for  memorials  of  our  blood."  So  saying,  she  plunged  the  sword 
into  her  breast.  Her  parents  acceded  to  her  wish  ;  the  gods  also 
ratified  it.  The  two  bodies  were  buried  in  one  sepulchie,  and 
the  tree  ever  after  brought  forth  purple  berries,  as  it  does  to 
this  day, 

Moore,  in  the  Sylph's  Bail,  speaking  of  Davy's  Safety 
Lamp,  is  reminded  of  the  wall  that  separated  Thisbe  and  her 
lover :  — 

"  O  for  that  lamp's  metallic  gauze, 
That  curtain  of  protecting  wire, 
Which  Davy  delicately  draws 
Around  illicit,  dangerous  fire  ! 

"  The  wall  he  sets  'Iwixt  Flame  and  Air, 

(Like  that  which  barred  young  Thisbe's  bliss,) 
Through  whose  small  holes  this  dangerous  pair 
May  see  each  other,  but  not  kiss." 

In  Mickle's  translation  of  the  Lusiad  occurs  the  following 
allusion  to  the  story  of  Pyrnmus  and  Thisbe,  and  the  meta- 
mor])hosis  of  the  mulberries.  The  poet  is  describing  the  Island 
of  Love. 

" here  each  gift  Pomona's  hand  bestows 

In  cultured  garden,  free  uncultured  flows, 
The  flavor  sweeter  and  the  hue  more  fair 
Than  e'er  was  fostered  by  the  hand  of  care. 
The  cheny  here  in  shining  crimson  glows. 
And  stained  with  lover's  blood,  in  ])cndent  rows. 
The  mulberries  o'erload  the  bcmling  boughs." 

If  any  of  our  young  readers  can  be  so  hard-hearted  as  to 
enjoy  a  laugh  at  the  expense  of  poorPyramus  and  Thisbe,  they 
may  find  an  opportunity  by  turning  to  Shakespeare's  play  of 
Midsummer  Night's  Dream,  where  it  is  most  amusingly  bur- 
lesqued. 

Here  is  the  description  of  the  play  and  the  characters  by  the 
Prologue. 

"  Gentles,  perchance  _you  wonder  at  this  show; 

But  wonder  on,  till  truth  makes  all  things  plain. 
This  man  is  Pyramus,  if  you  would  know ; 
This  lovely  lady  Thisby  is  certain. 


34  STORIES    OF    GODS    AXD    HEROES. 

This  man  with  lime  and  ronglicast,  doth  present 

Wall,  that  vile  Wall,  which  did  these  lovers  sunder; 
And  through  Wall's  chink,  poor  souls,  they  arc  content 

To  whisper.     At  the  wliich  let  no  man  wonder. 
This  man,  with  lanthorn,  dog  and  bush  of  thorn, 

Presenteth  Moonshine;  for,  if  yon  will  know, 
By  Moonshine  did  these  lovers  think  no  scorn 

To  meet  at  Ninus'  tomb,  there,  there  to  woo. 
This  grisly  beast,  which  by  name  Lion  hight, 
The  trusty  Thisby,  coming  first  by  night, 
Did  scare  away,  or  rather  did  atlVight ; 
And,  as  she  fled,  her  mantle  she  did  fall, 

Which  Lion  vile  with  bloody  mouth  did  stain. 
Anon  comes  Pyramus,  sweet  youth  and  tall, 

And  finds  his  trusty  Thisby's  mantle  slain; 
Whereat  with  blade,  with  bloody  blameful  blade. 

He  bravely  broached  his  boiling  bloody  iireast ; 
And,  Thisby,  tarrying  in  mulberry  shade. 

His  dagger  drew  and  died." 

Midsummer  Night's  Dream,  v.  1,  128,  et  scq. 

Cephalus  AST)  Procris. 

Cephalus  was  a  beautiful  youtli  and  fond  of  manly  sports. 
He  would  rise  before  the  dawn^  to  pursue  the  chase.  Aurora 
saw  him  when  she  first  looked  forth,  fell  in  love  with  him,  and 
stole  him  away.  But  Cephalus  Avas  just  married  to  a  charming 
Avife  Avhom  he  loved  devotedly.  Her  name  was  Procris.  She 
was  a  favorite  of  Diana,  the  goddess  of  hunting,  who  had  given 
her  a  dog  which  could  outrun  every  rival,  and  a  javelin  Avhich 
would  never  fail  of  its  mark  ;  and  Procris  gave  these  presents 
to  her  husband.  Cephalus  Avas  so  happy  in  his  Avife  that  he 
resisted  all  the  entreaties  of  Aurora,  and  she  finally  dismissed 
him  in  displeasure,  saying,  "  Go,  ungratef id  mortal,  keep  your 
Avife,  AA'hom,  if  I  am  not  much  mistaken,  you  Avill  one  day  be 
very  sorry  you  ever  saAV  again." 

Cephalus  returned,  and  Avas  as  happy  as  ever  in  his  Avife  and 
his  Avoodland  sports.  Noav  it  happened  some  angry  deity  had 
sent  a  ravenous  fox  to  annoy  the  country ;  and  the  hunters 
turned  out  in  great  strength  to  capture  it.  Their  efforts  Avere 
all  in  vain  ;  no  dog  could  run  it  doAA'n  ;  and  at  last  they  came 
to  Cephalus  to  borroAv  his  famous  dog,  Avhose  name  Avas  Lelaps. 
^N'o  sooner  Avas  the  dog  let  loose  than  he  darted  off,  quicker 


CEPHALUS  AND  PROCRIS.  35 

than  their  eye  could  follow  him.  If  they  had  not  seen  his  foot- 
prints in  the  sand  they  would  have  thought  he  flew.  Cephalus 
and  others  stood  on  a  hill  and  saw  the  race.  The  fox  tried 
every  art ;  he  ran  in  a  circle  and  turned  on  his  track,  the  dog 
close  upon  him,  with  open  jaws,  snapping  at  his  heels,  but 
biting  only  the  air.  Cephalus  was  about  to  use  his  javelin, 
when  suddenly  he  saw  both  dog  and  game  stop  instantly.  The 
heavenly  powers  who  had  given  both,  were  not  Avilling  that 
either  should  con^j^uer.  In  the  very  attitude  of  life  and  action 
they  were  turned  into  stone.  So  lifelike  and  natural  did  they 
look,  you  would  have  thought,  as  you  looked  at  them,  that  one 
was  going  to  bark,  the  other  to  leap  forward. 

Cephalus,  though  he  had  lost  his  dog,  still  continued  to  take 
delight  in  the  chase.  He  Avould  go  out  at  early  morning, 
ranging  the  woods  and  hills  unaccompanied  by  any  one, 
needing  no  help,  for  his  javelin  was  a^ure  weapon  in  all  cases. 
Fatigued  Avith  hunting,  when  the  sun  got  high  he  Avould  seek 
a  shady  nook  Avhere  a  cool  stream  flowed,  and,  stretched  on 
the  grass  with  his  garments  thrown  aside,  Avould  enjoy  the 
breeze..  Sometimes  he  Avould  say  aloud,  "  Come,  SAveet  breeze, 
come  and  fan  my  breast,  come  and  allay  the  heat  that  burns 
me."  Some  one  passing  by  one  day  heard  him  talking  in  this 
Avay  to  the  air,  and,  foolishly  believing  that  he  Avas  talking  to 
some  maiden,  Avent  and  told  the  secret  to  Procris,  Cephalus's 
Avife.  Love  is  credulous.  Procris,  at  the  sudden  shock,  fainted 
away.  Presently  recoA^ering,  she  said,  "  It  cannot  be  true ;  I 
Avill  not  believe  it  imless  I  myself  am  a  Avitness  to  it."  So  she 
Avaited,  Avith  anxious  heart,  till  the  next  morning,  Avhen  Cepha- 
lus Avent  to  hunt  as  usual.  Then  she  stole  out  after  him,  and 
concealed  herself  in  the  i^lace  Avhere  the  informer  directed  her. 
Cephalus  came  as  he  was  AA''ont  when  tired  Avith  sport,  and 
stretched  liimself  on  tlie  green  bank,  saying,  "  Come,  sweet 
breeze,  come  and  fan  me ;  you  know  hoAV  I  love  you  !  you 
make  the  groves  and  my  solitary  rambles  delightful."  He  Avas 
running  on  in  this  Avay  Avhen  he  heard,  or  thought  he  heard,  a 
sound  as  of  a  sob  in  the  bushes.  Supposing  it  some  Avild 
animal,  he  threw  his  javelin  at  the  spot.  A  cry  from  his 
beloved  Procris  told  him  that  the  weapon  had  too  surely  met 


36  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

its  mark.  He  rushed  to  the  place,  and  found  her  bleeding, 
and  with  sinking  strength  endeavoring  to  draw  forth  from  the 
wound  the  javelin,  her  own  gift.  Cephalus  raised  her  from  the 
earth,  strove  to  stanch  the  blood,  and  called  her  to  revive  and 
not  to  leave  him  miserable,  to  reproach  himself  with  her  death. 
She  opened  her  feeble  eyes,  and  forced  herself  to  utter  these 
few  words :  "  I  implore  you,  if  you  have  ever  loved  me,  if  I 
have  ever  deserved  kindness  at  your  hands,  my  husband,  grant 
me  this  last  request ;  do  not  marry  that  odious  Breeze ! "  This 
disclosed  the  whole  mystery:  but  alas!  what  advantage  to  dis- 
close it  now  ?  She  died  ;  but  her  face  wore  a  calm  expression, 
and  she  looked  pityingly  and  forgivingly  on  her  husband  when 
he  made  her  understand  the  truth. 

In  Shakespeare's  play  just  quoted,  there  is  an  allusion  to 
Cephalus  and  Procris,  although  rather  badly  spelt. 

Pyramus  saj's,  "  Not  Shafalns  to  Procrus  was  so  true." 
Thisbe.   "  As  Shafalns  to  Procrus,  I  to  jou." 

Moore,  in  his  Legendary  Ballads,  has  one  on  Cephalus  and 
Procris,  beginning  thus  :  — 

"  A  hunter  once  in  a  grove  reclined, 

To  shun  tlic  noon's  hri^dit  eye. 
And  oft  he  wooed  the  wandering  wind 

To  cool  his  brow  with  its  sigh. 
While  mute  lay  even  the  wild  bee's  hum. 

Nor  breath  could  stir  the  aspen's  hair. 
His  song  was  still,  '  Sweet  Air,  O  come ! " 

While  Echo  answered,  '  Come,  sweet  Air !  '  " 


CHAPTER  III. 


10   AXD    CALLISTO. 


DIAXA   AND    ACT.EOX.  — THE    STOET 
OF  PHAETON. 


TUPITER  and  Juno,  although  husband  and  wife,  did  not 
^  live  together  very  happily.  Jupiter  did  not  love  his  wife 
very  much,  and  Juno  distrusted  her  husband,  and  was  always 
accusing  him  of  unfaithfulness.  One  day  she  perceived  that  it 
suddenly  grew  dark,  and  immediately  suspected  that  her  hus- 
band had  raised  a  cloud  to  hide  some  of  his  doings  that  would 

(37) 


38  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

not  bear  the  liglit.  She  brushed  away  the  cloud,  and  saw  her 
husband,  on  the  banks  of  a  glassy  river,  with  a  beautiful  heifer 
standing  near  him.  Juno  suspected  that  the  heifer's  form  con- 
cealed some  fair  nymph  of  mortal  mould.  This  was  indeed 
the  case  ;  for  it  was  lo,  the  daughter  of  the  river  god  Inachus, 
whom  Jupiter  had  been  flirting  with,  and,  Avhen  he  became 
aware  of  the  approach  of  his  Avife,  had  changed  into  that 
form. 

Juno  joined  her  husband,  and  noticing  the  heifer,  praised  its 
beauty,  and  asked  whose  it  was,  and  of  what  herd.  Jupiter, 
to  stop  questions,  replied  that  it  was  a  fresh  creation  from  the 
earth.  Juno  asked  to  have  it  as  a  gift.  What  could  Jupiter 
do  ?  He  was  loth  to  give  his  mistress  to  his  wife  ;  yet  how 
refuse  so  trifling  a  present  as  a  simple  heifer  ?  He  could  not, 
without  exciting  suspicion ;  so  he  consented.  The  goddess  was 
not  yet  relieved  of  her  suspicions ;  and  she  delivered  the  heifer 
to  Argus,  to  be  strictly  watched. 

Now  Argus  had  a  Imndred  eyes  in  his  head,  and  never  went 
to  sleep  with  more  than  two  at  a  time,  so  that  he  kept  watch 
of  lo  constantly.  He  suffered  her  to  feed  through  the  day,  and 
at  night  tied  her  up  with  a  vile  rope  round  her  neck.  She 
would  have  stretched  out  her  arms  to  implore  freedom  of 
Argus,  but  she  had  no  arms  to  stretch  out,  and  her  voice  was 
a  bellow  that  frightened  even  herself.  She  saw  her  father  and 
her  sisters,  went  near  them,  and  suffered  them  to  pat  her  back, 
and  heard  them  admire  her  beauty.  Her  father  reached  her  a 
a  tuft  of  grass,  and  she  licked  the  outstretched  hand.  She 
longed  to  make  herself  known  to  him,  and  would  have  uttered 
her  wish ;  but,  alas !  words  were  wanting.  At  length  she 
bethought  herself  of  writing,  and  inscribed  her  name  —  it  Avas 
a  short  one  —  with  her  hoof  on  the  sand.  '  Inachus  recognized 
it,  and  discovering  that  his  daughter,  whom  he  had  long  sought 
in  vain,  was  hidden  under  this  disguise,  mourned  over  her,  and, 
embracing  her  white  neck,  exclaimed,  "  Alas  !  my  daughter,  it 
would  have  been  a  less  grief  to  have  lost  you  altogether !  " 
While  he  thus  lamented,  Argus,  obserAdng,  came  and  drove 
her  away,  and  took  his  seat  on  a  high  bank,  whence  he  could 
see  in  every  direction. 


lO    AND    CALLISTO.  39 

Jujiiter  was  troubled  at  beholding  the  sufferings  of  his  mis- 
tress, and  calling  Mercury,  told  him  to  go  and  despatch  Argus, 
Mercury  made  haste,  put  his  winged  slippers  on  his  feet,  and 
cap  on  his  head,  took  his  sleep-producing  wand,  and  leaped 
down  from  the  heavenly  towers  to  the  earth.  There  he  laid 
aside  his  wings,  and  kept  only  his  wand,  with  which  he  pre- 
sented himself  as  a  shepherd  driving  his  flock.  As  he  strolled 
on  he  blew  upon  his  pipes.  These  were  what  are  called  the 
Syrinx  or  Pandean  pipes.  Argus  listened  with  delight,  for  he 
liad  never  heard  the  instrument  before.  "  Young  man,"  said  he, 
"  come  and  take  a  seat  by  me  on  this  stone.  There  is  no  better 
place  for  your  flock  to  graze  in  than  hereabouts,  and  here  is  a 
l)leasant  shade  such  as  shepherds  love."  Mercury  sat  down, 
talked,  and  told  stories  until  it  grew  late,  and  played  upon  his 
pipes  his  most  soothing  strains,  hoping  to  lull  the  watchful  eyes 
to  sleep,  but  all  in  vain ;  for  Argus  still  contrived  to  keep  some 
of  his  eyes  open,  though  he  shut  the  rest. 

Among  other  stories.  Mercury  told  him  how  the  instrument 
on  which  he  played  was  invented.  "There  was  a  certain 
nymph,  Avhose  name  was  Syrinx,  Avho  was  much  beloved  by 
the  satyrs  and  spirits  of  the  wood  ;  but  she  would  have  none 
of  them,  but  was  a  faithful  worshi]:iper  of  Diana,  and  followed 
the  chase.  You  would  have  thought  it  was  Diana  herself,  had 
you  seen  her  in  her  hunting-dress,  only  that  her  bow  was  of 
horn  and  Diana's  of  silver.  One  day,  as  she  was  returning 
from  the  chase,  Pan  met  her,  told  her  just  this,  and  added 
more  of  the  same  sort.  She  ran  away,  without  stopping  to 
hear  his  compliments,  and  he  pursued  till  she  came  to  the  bank 
of  the  river,  where  he  overtook  her,  and  she  had  only  time  to 
call  for  help  on  her  friends,  the  water  nymphs.  They  heard 
and  consented.  Pan  threw  his  arms  around  Avhat  he  supposed 
to  be  the  form  of  the  nymph,  and  found  he  embraced  only  a 
tuft  of  reeds  !  As  he  breatlied  a  sigh,  the  air  sounded  through 
the  reeds,  and  produced  a  plaintive  melody.  The  god,  cliarmed 
with  the  novelty  and  Avith  the  sweetness  of  the  music,  said, 
'  Thus,  then,  at  least,  you  shall  be  mine.'  And  he  took  some 
of  the  reeds,  and  placing  them  together,  of  unequal  lengths, 
side  by  side,  made  an  instrument  which  he  called  Syrinx,  in 


40  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

honor  of  the  nymph."  Before  Mercury  had  finished  his  story, 
he  saw  Argus's  eyes  all  asleep.  As  his  head  nodded  forward 
on  his  breast,  Mercury  with  one  stroke  cut  his  neck  through, 
and  tumbled  his  head  down  the  rocks.  O  hapless  Argus  !  the 
light  of  your  hundred  eyes  is  quenched  at  once !  Juno  took 
them  and  put  them  as  ornaments  on  the  tail  of  her  peacock, 
where  they  remain  to  this  day. 

But  the  vengeance  of  Juno  was  not  yet  satiated.  She  sent 
a  gadfly  to  torment  lo,  who  fled  over  the  whole  world  from  its 
pursuit.  She  swam  through  the  Ionian  Sea,  which  derived  its 
name  from  her,  then  roamed  over  the  plains  of  Illyrin,  ascended 
Mount  Hffimus,  and  crossed  the  Thracian  strait,  thence  named 
the  Bosphorus  (cow-bearer),  rambled  on  through  Scythia  and  the 
country  of  the  Cimmerians,  and  arrived  at  last  on  the  banks  of 
the  Nile.  At  length  Jupiter  interceded  for  her,  and,  uj^on  his 
promising  not  to  pay  her  any  more  attentions,  Juno  consented 
to  restore  her  to  her  form.  It  was  curious  to  see  her  gradually 
recover  her  former  self.  The  coarse  hairs  fell  fi'om  her  body, 
her  horns  shrank  up,  her  eyes  grew  narrower,  her  mouth 
shorter ;  hands  and  fingers  came  instead  of  hoofs  to  her  fore- 
feet ;  in  fine,  there  was  nothing  left  of  the  heifer  except  her 
beauty.  At  first  she  was  afraid  to  speak  for  fear  she  should 
low,  but  gradually  she  recovered  her  confidence,  and  was  re- 
stored to  her  father  and  sisters. 

In  a  poem  dedicated  to  Leigh  Hunt,  by  Keats,  the  following 
allusion  to  the  story  of  Pan  and  Syrinx  occurs :  — 

"  So  did  he  feel  who  pulled  the  boug-lis  aside, 
That  we  mii,''ht  look  into  a  forest  wide, 

Tellin,:^  us  how  fair  trenililinjr  Syrinx  fled 

Arcadian  Pan,  with  such  a  fearful  dread. 

Poor  nymph  —  poor  Pan  —  how  he  did  weep  to  find 

Nought  but  a  lovely  sighing  of  the  wind 

Along  the  reedy  stream  ;  a  half-heard  strain. 

Fall  of  sweet  desolation,  balmy  pain." 


10   AND    CALLISTO.  41 


Callisto. 


CalHsto  was  another  maiden  wlio  excited  the  jealousy  of 
Juno,  and  the  goddess  changed  her  into  a  bear.  "  I  Avill  take 
away,"  said  she,  "  that  beauty  with  which  you  have  captivated 
my  husband."  Down  fell  Callisto  on  her  hands  and  knees  ; 
she  tried  to  stretch  out  her  arms  in  supplication, —  they  Avere 
already  beginning  to  be  covered  with  black  hair.  Her  hands 
grew  rounded,  became  armed  with  crooked  claws,  and  served 
for  feet;  her  mouth,  which  Jove  used  to  praise  for  its  beauty, 
became  a  horrid  pair  of  jaws;  her  voice,  which  if  unchanged 
would  have  moved  the  heart  to  pity,  became  a  growl,  more  fit 
to  inspire  terror^  Yet  her  former  disposition  remained,  and, 
with  continual  groaning,  she  bemoaned  her  fate,  and  stood 
upright  as  well  as  she  could,  lifting  up  her  paws  to  beg  for 
mercy ;  and  felt  that  Jove  was  unkind,  though  she  could  not 
tell  .him  so.  Ah,  how  often,  afraid  to  stay  in  the  woods  all 
night  alone,  she  wandered  about  the  neighborhood  of  her  for- 
mer haunts ;  how  often,  frightened  by  the  dogs,  did  she,  so 
lately  a  huntress,  fly  in  terror  from  the  hunters  !  Often  she 
fled  from  the  wild  beasts,  forgetting  that  she  was  now  a  wild 
beast  herself ;  and,*  bear  as  she  was,  was  afraid  of  the  bears. 

One  day  a  youth  espied  her  as  he  was  hunting.  She  saw  him 
and  recognized  him  as  her  own  son,  now  grown  a  young  man. 
She  stopped,  and  felt  inclined  to  embrace  him.  As  she  was 
about  to  approach,  he,  alarmed,  raised  his  hunting  spear,  and 
was  on  the  point  of  transfixing  her,  when  Jupiter,  beholding, 
arrested  the  crime,  and,  snatching  away  both  of  them,  placed 
them  in  the  heavens  as  the  Great  and  Little  Bear. 

Juno  was  in  a  rage  to  see  her  rival  so  set  in  honor,  and  has- 
tened to  ancient  Tethys  and  Oceanus,  the  powers  of  ocean,  and, 
in  answer  to  their  inquiries,  thus  told  the  cause  of  her  coming : 
"Do  you  ask  why  I,  the  queen  of  the  gods,  have  left  the 
heavenly  plains  and  sought  your  depths.  Learn  that  I  am  sup- 
planted in  heaven, —  my  place  is  given  to  anotlier.  You  will 
hardly  believe  me  ;  but  look  when  night  darkens  tlie  world, 
and  you  shall  see  the  two,  of  whom  I  have  so  much  reason  to 


42  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

complain,  exalted  to  the  heavens,  in  that  part  where  the  circle 
is  the  smallest,  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  pole.  Why  should 
any  one  hereafter  tremble  at  the  thought  of  offending  Juno, 
when  such  rewards  are  the  consequence  of  my  displeasure  ! 
See  what  I  have  been  able  to  effect !  I  forbade  her  to  wear 
the  human  form,  —  she  is  placed  among  the  stars  !  So  do  my 
punishments  result,  —  such  is  the  extent  of  my  power  !  Better 
that  she  should  have  resumed  her  former  shape,  as  I  permitted 
lo  to  do.  Perhaps  he  means  to  marry  her,  and  put  me  away ! 
But  you,  my  foster-parents,  if  you  feel  for  me,  and  see  with 
displeasure  this  unworthy  treatment  of  me,  show  it,  I  beseech 
you,  by  forbidding  this  guilty  couple  from  coming  into  your 
waters."  The  powers  of  the  ocean  assented,  and  consequently 
the  two  constellations  of  the  Great  and  Little  Bear  move  round 
and  round  in  heaven,  but  never  sink,  as  the  other  stars  do,  be- 
neath the  ocean. 

Milton  alludes  to  the  fact  that  the  constellation  of  the  Bear 
never  sets,  when  he  says,  — 

'  Let  my  lamp  at  midnighlMiour 
Be  seen  in  some  high  lonely  tower, 
Where  I  may  oft  outwatch  the  Bear." 

II  Pcnseroso, 

And  Prometheus,  in  James  Russell  Lowell's  poem,  says, — 

"  One  after  one  the  stars  have  risen  and  set, 
Sparkling  upon  the  hoar-frost  of  my  chain ; 
The  Bear  that  prowled  all  night  about  the  fold 
Of  the  North  Star,  hath  shrunk  into  his  den, 
Scared  by  the  blithsome  footsteps  of  the  dawn." 

The  last  star  in  the  tail  of  the  Little  Bear  is  the  Pole  star, 
called  also  the  Cynosure.     Milton  says, — 

"  Straight  mine  eye  hath  caught  new  pleasm-es 
While  the  landscape  round  it  measures. 

Towers  and  battlements  it  sees 
Bosomed  high  in  tufted  trees. 
Where  perhaps  some  beauty  lies 
The  Cynosure  of  neighboring  eyes." 

L'Allegro. 


DIANA    AND    ACT.EON. 


43 


The  reference  here  is  both  to  the  Pole-star  as  the  guide  of 
mariners,  and  to  the  magnetic  attraction  of  the  Nortli.  He 
calls  it  also  the  "  Star  of  Arcady,"  because  Callisto's  boy  was 
named  Areas,  and  they  lived  in  Arcadia.  In  Milton's  Comus, 
the  elder  brotlier,  benighted  in  the  woods,  says, — 

" Some  gentle  tnper ! 

Thoujjh  a  rush  candle,  from 

the  wicker  hole 
Of    some    clay     liahitation, 

visit  us 
With  thy  lonj,^  levelled  rule 

of  streaming  liyht, 
And  thou  shall  be  our  star 

of  Arcady, 
Or  T^rian  Cvnosure." 


Diana  and  Action. 

It  was  midday,  and 
the  sun  stood  equally 
distant  from  either 
goal,  when  young  Ac- 
tteon,  son  of  King 
C  a  d  m  u  s ,  thus  ad- 
dressed  the  youths 
who  with  him  were 
hunting  the  stag  in 
the  mountains:  — 

"Friends,  our  nets 
and  our  weapons 
are  wet  with  the 
blood  of  our  vic- 
tims ;  we  have 
had  sport  enough 
for  one  day,  and 


D   (LOUVRE). 

Now,  while   Phcebus 


DIANA  OF  THE   II 

to-morrow  we  can  renew   our   labors 

parches  the  earth,  let  us  put  by  our  instruments  and  indulge 

ourselves  with  rest." 

There  was  a  valley  thickly  enclosed  with  cypresses  and  pines, 
sacred  to  the  huntress-queen,  Diana.  In  the  extremity  of  the 
valley  was  a  cave,  not  adorned  with  art,  but  nature  had  coun- 


44  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

terfeited  art  in  its  construction,  for  slie  had  turned  the  arcli  of 
its  roof  with  stones  as  delicately  fitted  as  if  by  the  hand  of 
man.  A  fountain  burst  out  from  one  side,  whose  open  basin 
was  bounded  by  a  grassy  rim.  Here  the  goddess  of  tlie  woods 
used  to  come  when  weary  with  hunting  and  lave  her  virgin 
limbs  in  the  sparkling  water. 

One  day,  liaving  repaired  thither  with  her  nymphs,  slie 
handed  her  javelin,  her  quiver,  and  her  boAv  to  one,  lier  robe 
tQ  another,  while  a  third  unbound  the  sandals  from  her  feet. 
Then  Crocale,  the  most  skilful  of  them,  arranged  her  hair,  and 
Nephele,  Hyale,  and  the  rest  drew  water  in  capacious  urns. 
While  the  goddess  was  thus  emjiloyed  in  the  labors  of  the 
toilet,  behold,  Actaeon,  having  quitted  his  companions,  and 
rambling  without  any  especial  object,  came  to  Ihe  place,  led 
thither  by  his  destiny.  As  he  presented  himself  at  the  en- 
trance of  the  cave,  the  nymphs,  seeing  a  man,  screamed  and 
rushed  towards  the  goddess  to  hide  her  with  their  bodies. 
But  she  was  taller  than  the  rest,  and  overtopped  them  all  by  a 
head.  Such  a  color  as  tinges  the  clouds  at  sunset  or  at  dawn 
came  over  the  countenance  of  Diana  thus  taken  by  suri)rise. 
Surrounded  as  she  was  by  her  nymphs,  she  yet  turned  half 
away,  and  sought  with  a  sudden  impulse  for  her  arrows.  As 
they  were  not  at  hand,  she  dashed  the  water  into  the  face  of 
the  intruder,  adding  these  words:  "Now  go  and  tell,  if  you 
can,  that  you  have  seen  Diana  unapparelled."  Immediately  a 
pair  of  branching  stag's  horns  grew  out  of  his  head,  his  neck 
gained  in  length,  his  ears  grew  sharp-pointed,  his  hands  became 
feet,  his  arms  long  legs,  his  body  Avas  covered  with  a  hairy 
spotted  hide.  Fear  took  the  place  of  his  former  boldness,  and 
the  hero  fled.  He  coidd  not  but  admire  his  own  speed ;  but 
when  he  saw  liis  horns  in  the  water,  "Ah,  wretched  me!"  he 
would  have  said,  but  no  sound  followed  the  effort.  He 
groaned,  and  tears  flowed  down  the  face  that  had  taken  the 
place  of  his  own.  Yet  his  consciousness  remained.  What 
shall  he  do?  —  go  home  to  seek  the  palace,  or  lie  hid  in  tlie 
Avoods?  The  latter  he  Avas  afraid,  the  former  he  Avas  ashamed, 
to  do.  While  he  hesitated  the  dogs  saAV  him.  First  Melam- 
pus,  a  Spartan  dog,  gave  the  signal  Avith  his  bai-k,  then  Pam- 


DIAXA    AND    ACT.EON. 


45 


jjliag-us,  DorcGus,  Lelaps,  Tlieron,  Nnjje,  Tigris,  and  all  the 
rest,  rushed  after  him  swifter  than  the  Avind..  Over  rocks  and 
cliffs,  through  mountain  gorges  that  seemed  imi^racticable,  he 
fled,  and  they  followed.  Where  he  had  often  chased  the  stag 
and  cheered  on  his  jjack,  his  pack  now  chased  him,  cheered  on 


by  his  own  huntsmen.  He  longed  to  cry  out,  "I  am  Acta?on ; 
recognize  your  master  ! "  but  the  words  came  not  at  his  will. 
The  air  resounded  with  the  bark  of  the  dogs.  Presently  one 
fastened  on  his  back,  another  seized  his  shoulder.  While  they 
held  their  master,  the  rest  of  the  pack  came  up  and  buried 
their  teeth  in  liis  flesh.     He  scroaned,  —  not  in  a  human  voice. 


46  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

yet  certainly  not  in  a  stag's, —  and,  falling  on  his  knees,  raised 
his  eyes,  and  would  have  raised  his  arms  in  supplication,  if  he 
had  had  them.  His  friends  and  fellow-huntsmen  cheered  on 
the  dogs,  and  looked  every  where  for  Action,  calling  on  him 
to  join  the  sport.  At  the  sound  of  his  name,  he  turned  his 
head,  and  heard  them  regret  that  he  should  be  away.  He 
earnestly  wished  he  was.  He  would  have  been  well  pleased  to 
see  the  exploits  of  his  dogs,  but  to  feel  them  was  too  much. 
They  were  all  around  him,  rending  and  tearing;  and  it  was 
not  till  they  had  torn  his  life  out  that  the  anger  of  Diana  Avas 
satisfied. 

In  the  "  Epic  of  Hades "  there  is  a  description  of  Actason 
and  his  change  of  form.  Perhai)s  the  most  beautiful  lines  in  it 
are  when  Actason,  changed  to  a  stag,  firet  hears  his  own  hounds 
and  flees. 

"But  as  I  gazed,  and  careless  turned  and  passed 
Tluou^'h  the  thick  wood,  forgetting  what  had  been, 
And  thinking  thoughts  no  longer,  swift  there  came 
A  mortal  terror;  Aoices  that  I  knew. 
My  own  hounds'  hayings  that  I  loved  before, 
As  with  them  often  o'er  the  purple  hills 
I  chased  the  flying  hart  from  slope  to  slope, 
Before  the  slow  sun  climbed  the  eastern  peaks, 
Until  the  swift  sun  smote  the  western  plain; 
Whom  often  I  had  cheered  by  voice  and  glance. 
Whom  often  I  had  checked  with  hand  and  tliong ; 
Grim  followers,  like  the  passions,  firing  me. 
True  servants,  like  the  strong  nerves,  urging  mc 
On  many  a  fruitless  chase,  to  find  and  take 
Some  too  swift-fleeting  beauty ;  faithful  feet 
And  tongues,  obedient  always  :  these  I  knew    ' 
Clothed  with  a  new-born  force  and  vaster  grown, 
And  stronger  than  their  master;  and  I  thought. 
What  if  they  tore  me  with  their  jaws,  nor  knew 
That  once  I  ruled  them,  —  brute  pursuing  brute. 
And  I  the  quarry  ?    Then  I  turned  and  fled  — 
If  it  was  I  indeed  that  feared  and  fled  — 
Down  the  long  glades,  and  through  the  tangled  brakes. 
Where  scarce  the  sunlight  pierced;  fled  on  and  on, 
And  panted,  self-pursued.    But  evermore 
The  dissonant  music  which  I  knew  so  sweet, 
When  b}'  the  windy  hills,  the  echoing  vales 
And  whispering  pines  it  rang;  now  far,  now  near 
As  from  my  rushing  steed  I  leant  and  cheered 


LATONA    AND    THE    RUSTICS »  47 

With  voice  and  horn  the  chase ;  this  brouj^'ht  to  me 
Fear  of  I  knew  not  what,  which  bade  me  fly, 
Fly  always,  fly;  but  when  my  heart  stood  still, 
And  all  mj'  limbs  were  stiffened  as  I  fled. 
Just  as  the  white  moon  ghost-like  climbed  the  sky, 
Nearer  they  came  and  nearer,  baying  loud,  ■ 
With  bloodshot  eyes  and  red  jaws  dripping  foam  ; 
And  when  1  strove  to  check  their  savagery, 
Speaking  with  words ;  no  voice  articulate  came, 
Only  a  dumb,  low  bleat.    Then  all  the  throng 
Leapt  swift  upon  me  and  tore  me  as  I  lay, 
And  left  me  man  again." 

In  Shelley's  poem  Adonais  is  the  followhig  alhision  to  tlie 
story  of  Actaeon  :  — 

"  'Midst  others  of  less  note  came  one  frail  form, 

A  phantom  among  men  :  companiouless 

As  the  last  cloud  of  an  expiring  storm, 

Whose  thunder  is  its  knell ;  he,  as  I  guess, 

Had  gazed  on  Nature's  naked  loveliness, 

Actseon-like,  and  now  he  fled  astray 

With  feeble  steps  o'er  the  world's  wilderness ; 

And  his  own  Thoughts,  along  that  rugged  way, 
Pursued  like  raging  hounds  their  father  and  thoir  prey.' 

Adonais,  stanza  31. 


The  alhision  is  probably  to  Shelley  himself. 


Latona  and  the  Rustics. 

Some  thought  the  goddess  in  this  instance  more  severe  than 
was  just,  while  others  praised  her  conduct  as  strictly  consistent 
with  her  virgin  dignity.  As  usual,  the  recent  event  brought 
older  ones  to  mind,  and  one  of  the  bystanders  told  this  story. 
"Some  countrymen  of  Lycia  once  insulted  the  goddess  Latona, 
but  not  with  impunity.  When  I  was  young,  my  father,  who 
had  grown  too  old  for  active  labors,  sent  me  to  Lycia  to  drive 
thence  some  choice  oxen,  and  there  I  saw  the  very  pond  and 
marsh  where  the  wonder  happened.  Near  by  stood  an  ancient 
altar,  black  with  the  smoke  of  sacrifice  and  almost  buried 
among  the  reeds.  I  inquired  whose  altar  it  might  be,  whether 
of   Faunus  or  the  Naiads  or  some  god   of   the  neighboring 


48  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

mountain,  and  one  of  the  country  people  replied,  'No  mountain 
or  river  god  possesses  this  altar,  but  she  whom  royal  Juno  in 
her  jealousy  drove  from  land  to  land,  denying  her  any  spot  of 
earth  whereon  to  rear  her  twins.  Bearing  in  her  arms  the 
infant  deities,  Latona  reached  this  land,  Aveary  with  her  burden 
and  parched  with  thirst.  By  chance  she  espied  in  the  bottom 
of  the  valley  this  pond  of  clear  water,  where  the  country  people 
were  at  work  gathering  willows  and  osiers.  The  goddess  ap- 
proached, and  kneeling  on  the  bank  would  have  slaked  her 
thirst  in  the  cool  stream,  but  the  rustics  forbade  her.  '  Why 
do  you  refuse  me  water?'  said  she;  'water  is  free  to  all. 
Nature  allows  no  one  to  claim  as  property  the  sunshine,  the 
air,  or  the  water.  I  come  to  take  my  share  of  the  common 
blessing.  Yet  I  ask  it  of  you  as  a  favor.  I  have  no  intention 
of  washing  my  limbs  in  it,  weary  though  they  be,  but  only  to 
quench  my  thirst.  My  mouth  is  so  dry  that  I  can  hardly  speak. 
A  draught  of  water  would  be  nectar  to  me ;  it  would  revive 
me,  and  I  would  own  myself  indebted  to  you  for  life  itself. 
Let  these  infants  move  your  pity,  who  stretch  out  their  little 
arms  as  if  to  plead  for  me ; '  and  the  children,  as  it  happened, 
were  stretching  out  their  arms. 

"  Who  would  not  have  been  moved  with  these  gentle  words 
of  the  goddess?  But  these  clowns  persisted  in  their  rudeness; 
they  even  added  jeers  and  threats  of  violence  if  she  did  not 
leave  the  place.  Nor  was  this  all.  They  waded  into  the  pond 
and  stirred  up  the  mud  with  their  feet,  so  as  to  make  the 
water  unfit  to  drink.  Latona  was  so  angry  that  she  ceased  to 
feel  her  thirst.  She  no  longer  supplicated  the  clowns,  but 
lifting  her  hands  to  heaven  exclaimed,  '  May  they  never  quit 
that  pool,  but  pass  their  lives  there ! '  And  it  came  to  pa'ss 
accordingly.  They  now  live  in  the  water,  sometimes  totally 
submerged,  then  raising  their  heads  above  the  surface,  or 
swimming  upon  it.  Sometimes  they  come  out  upon  the  bank, 
but  soon  leap  back  again  into  the  water.  They  still  use  their 
base  voices  in  railing,  and  though  they  have  the  water  all  to 
themselves,  are  not  ashamed  to  croak  in  the  midst  of  it.  Their 
voices  are  harsh,  their  throats  bloated,  their  mouths  have 
become  stretched  by  constant  railing,  their  necks  have  shrunk 


LATONA    AND    THE    RUSTICS.  49 

up  and  disappeared,  and  their  heads  are  joined^ to  their  bodies. 
Their  backs  are  green,  their  disproportioned  bellies  white,  and 
in  short  they  are  now  frogs,  and  dwell  in  the  slimy  pool." 

This  story  explains  the  allusion  in  one  of  Milton's  'sonnets, 
"  On  the  detraction  which  followed  npon  his  writing  certain 
treatises." 

"  I  did  but  prompt  the  age  to  quit  their  clogs 
By  the  known  laws  of  ancient  liberty, 
When  straight  a  barbarous  noise  environs  me 

Of  owls  and  cuckoos,  asses,  apes  and  dogs. 

As  when  those  hinds  that  were  transfcrmed  to  frogs 
Railed  at  Latona's  twin-born  progeny. 
Which  after  held  the  sun  and  moon  in  fee." 

The  persecution  which  Latona  experienced  from  Juno  is 
alluded  to  in  the  story.  The  tradition  was  that  the  future 
mother  of  Apollo  and  Diana,  flying  from  the  wrath  of  Juno, 
besought  all  the  islands  of  the  ^gean  to  afford  her  a  place  of 
rest,  but  all  feared  too  much  the  potent  queen  of  heaven  to 
assist  her  rival.  Delos  alone  consented  to  become  the  birth- 
place of  the  future  deities.  Delos  Avas  then  a  floating  island  ; 
but  when  Latona  arrived  there,  Jupiter  fastened  it  with  ada- 
mantine chains  to  the  bottom  of  the  sea,  that  it  might  be 
a  secure  resting-place  for  his  beloved.  Byron  alludes  to  Delos 
in  his  Don  Juan  :  — 

"  The  isles  of  Greece !  the  isles  of  Greece ! 
Where  burning  Sappho  loved  and  sung, 
Where  grew  the  arts  of  war  and  peace, 
Where  Delos  rose  and  Phcebus  sprung !  " 

Phaeton. 

Epaphus  was  the  son  of  Jupiter  and  lo.  Phaeton,  child  of 
the  Sun,  was  one  day  boasting  to  him  of  his  high  descent  and 
of  his  father  Phoebus.  Epaplms  could  not  bear  it.  "  Foolish 
fellow,"  said  he  "  you  believe  your  mother  in  all  things, 
and  you  are  puffed  up  by  your  pride  in  a  false  father."  Phae- 
ton went  in  rage  and  shame  and  reported  this  to  his  mother, 
Clyraene.     "  If,"  said  he,  "  I  am  indeed  of  heavenly  birth,  give 


50  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

me,  mother,  some  proof  of  it,  and  establisii  my  claim  to  tlie 
honor."  Clymene  stretched  forth  her  hands  towards  the  skies, 
and  said,  "I  call  to  witness  the  Smi  which  looks  down  upon  us, 
that  I  have  told  you  the  truth.  If  I  speak  falsely,  let  this  be 
the  last  time  I  behold  his  light.  But  it  needs  not  much  labor 
to  go  and  inquire  for  yourself ;  the  land  w^hence  the  Sun  rises 
lies  next  to  ours.  Go  and  demand  of  him  whether  he  will  own 
you  as  a  son."  Phaeton  heard  with  delight.  lie  travelled  to 
India,  which  lies  directly  in  the  regions  of  sunrise ;  and,  full 
of  hope  and  pride,  ai^proached  the  goal  whence  the  Sun  begins 
his  course. 

The  palace  of  the  Sun  stood  reared  aloft  on  columns,  glit- 
tering with  gold  and  precious  stones,  while  polished  ivory 
formed  the  ceilings,  and  silver  the  doors.  The  workmanship 
surpassed  the  material ; '  for  upon  the  walls  Vulcan  had  repre- 
sented earth,  sea  and  skies,  with  their  inhabitants.  In  the  sea 
were  the  nymphs,  some  sporting  in  the  waves,  some  riding  on  the 
backs  of  fishes,  Avhile  othci-s  sat  upon  the  rocks  and  dried  their 
sea-green  hair.  Their  faces  were  not  all  alike,  nor  yet  unlike, — 
but  such  as  sisters'  ought  to  be.^  The  earth  had  its  towns  and 
forests  and  rivers  and  rustic  divinities.  Over  all  was  carved 
the  likeness  of  the  glorious  heaven ;  and  on  the  silver  doors  the 
twelve  signs  of  the  zodiac,  six  on  each  side. 

Clymene's  son  advanced  up  the  steep  ascent,  and  entered 
the  halls  of  his  disputed  father.  He  approached  the  paternal 
presence,  but  stopped  at  a  distance,  for  the  light  Avas  more 
than  he  could  bear.  Phcebus,  arrayed  in  a  purple  vesture,  sat 
on  a  throne  which  glittered  as  with  diamonds.  On  his  right 
hand  and  his  left  stood  the  Day,  the  ]\Iontli,  and  the  Year,  and, 
at  regular  intervals,  the  Hours.  Spring  stood  with  her  head 
crowned  with  flowers,  and  Summer,  with  garment  cast  aside, 
and  a  garland  formed  of  spears  of  ripened  grain,  and  Autumn, 
with  his  feet  stained  with  grape-juice,  and  icy  Winter,  with  his 
hair  stiffened  with  hoar  frost.  Surrounded  by  these  attendants, 
the  Sun,  with  the  eye  that  sees  every  thing,  beheld  the  youth 
dazzled  with  the  novelty  and  splendor  of  the  scene,  and  in- 
quired the  purpose  of  his  errand.     The  youth  replied,  "  Oh, 

1  See  Proverbial  Expressions,  page  445. 


THAETON.  51 

light  of  the  boundless  world,  Phoebus,  my  father,  —  if  you  per- 
mit me  to  use  that  name, — give  me  some  proof,  I  beseech  you, 
by  which  I  may  be  known  as  yours."  He  ceased  ;  and  his 
father,  laying  aside  the  beams  that  shone  all  around  his  head, 
bade  him  approach,  and  embracing  him,  said,  "My  son,  you 
deselwe  not  to  be  disowned,  and  I  confirm  Avhat  your  mother 
has  told  you.  To  put  an  end  to  your  doubts,  ask  Avhat  you 
■will,  the  gift  shall  be  yours.  I  call  to  witness  that  dreadful 
lake,  which  I  never  saw,  but  which  we  gods  swear  by  in  our 
most  solemn  engagements."  Phaeton  immediately  asked  to  be 
permitted  for  one  day  to  drive  the  chariot  of  the  sun.  The 
father  repented  of  his  promise ;  thrice  and  four  times  he  shook 
his  radiant  head  in  warning.  "I  have  spoken  rashly,"  said  he; 
"  only  this  request  I  would  fain  deny.  I  beg  you  to  withdraw 
it.  It  is  not  a  safe  boon,  nor  one,  my  Phaeton,  suited  to  your 
youth  and  strength.  Your  lot  is  mortal,  and  you  ask  what  is 
beyond  a  mortal's  power.  In  your  ignorance  you  as2)ire  to  do 
that  which  not  even  the  gods  themselves  may  do.  None  but 
myself  may  drive  the  flaming  car  of  day ;  not  even  Jupiter, 
whose  terrible  right  arm  hurls  the  thunderbolts.  The  first  part 
of  the  way  is  steep,  and  such  as  the  horses  when  fresh  in  the 
morning  can  hardly  climb;  the  middle  is  high  up  in  the 
heavens,  whence  I  myself  can  scarcely,  without  alarm,  look 
down  and  behold  the  earth  and  sea  stretched  beneath  me. 
The  last  part  of  the  road  descends  rapidly,  and  requires  most 
careful  driving.  Tethys,  who  is  waiting  to  receive  me,  often 
trembles  for  me  lest  I  should  fall  headlong.  Add  to  all  this, 
the  heaven  is  all  the  time  turning  round  and  carrying  the  stars 
with  it.  I  have  to  be  perpetually  on  my  guard  lest  that  move- 
ment, which  sweeps  everything  else  along,  should  hurry  me 
also  away.  Suppose  I  should  lend  you  the  chariot,  what  would 
you  do  ?  Could  you  keep  your  course  Avhile  the  sphere  was 
revolving  under  you  ?  Perhaps  you  think  that  there  are  forests 
and  cities,  the  abodes  of  gods,  and  palaces  and  temples  on  the 
way.  On  the  contrary,  the  road  is  through  the  midst-  of  fright- 
ful monsters.  You  pass  by  the  horns  of  the  Bull,  in  front  of 
the  Archer,  and  near  the  Lion's  jaws,  and  where  the  Scorpion 
stretches  its  arms  in  one  direction  and  the  Crab  in  another. 


52  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Nor  will  you  find  it  easy  to  guide  tliose  horses,  with  their 
breasts  full  of  fire  which  they  breathe  forth  from  their  mouths 
and  nostrils.  I  can  scarcely  govern  them  myself,  when  they 
ai-e  unruly  and  resist  the  reins.  Beware,  my  son,  lest  I  should 
give  you  a  fatal  gift ;  recall  your  request  while  yet  you  may. 
Do  you  ask  me  for  proof  tliat  you  are  sprung  from  my  blood  ? 
I  give  you  a  proof  in  my  fears  for  you.  Look  at  my  face,  — 
I  would  that  you  could  look  into  my  breast,  you  would  there 
see  all  a  father's  anxiety.  Finally,"  he  continued,  "look  round 
the  world  and  choose  whatever  you  will  of  what  earth  or  sea 
contains  most  precious,  —  ask  it  and  fear  no  refusal.  This  only 
I  pray  you  not  to  urge.  It  is  not  honor,  but  destruction  you 
seek.  Why  do  you  hang  round  my  neck  and  still  entreat  me? 
You  shall  have  it  if  you  persist,  —  the  oath  is  sworn  and  must 
be  kept,  —  but  I  beg  you  to  choose  more  wisely." 

He  ended  ;  but  the  youth  rejected  all  admonition,  and  held 
to  his  demand.  So,  having  resisted  as  long  as  he  could,  Phoebus 
at  last  led  the  Avay  to  Avhere  stood  the  lofty  chariot. 

It  was  of  gold,  the  gift  of  Vulcan ;  the  axle  was  of  gold,  the 
pole  and  wheels  of  gold,  the  spokes  of  silver.  Along  the  seat 
were  rows  of  chrysolites  and  diamonds,  which  reflected  all 
around  the  brightness  of  the  sun.  While  the  daring  youth 
gazed  in  admiration,  the  early  DaAvn  threw  open  the  purple 
doors  of  the  east,  and  showed  the  pathway  strewn  with  roses. 
The  stars  withdrew,  marshalled  by  the  Daystar,  which  last 
of  all  retired  also.  The  father,  Avhen  he  saw  the  earth  be- 
ginning to  glow,  and  the  Moon  preparing  to  retire,  ordered  the 
Hours  to  harness  up  the  horses.  They  obeyed,  and  led  forth 
from  the  lofty  stalls  the  steeds  full  fed  with  ambrosia,  and 
attached  the  reins.  Then  the  father  bathed  the  face  of  liis  son 
with  a  powerful  unguent,  and  made  him  capable  of  enduring 
the  brightness  of  the  flame.  He  set  the  rays  on  his  head,  and, 
with  a  foreboding  sigh,  said,  "  If,  my  son,  you  will  in  this  at 
least  heed  my  advice,  spare  the  whip  and  hold  tight  the  reins. 
They  go  fast  enough  of  their  OAvn  accord ;  the  labor  is  to  hold 
them  in.  You  are  not  to  take  the  straight  road  directly 
between  the  five  circles,  but  turn  off  to  the  left.  Keep  within 
the  limit  of  the  middle  zone,  and  avoid  the  northern  and  the 


PHAETON.  53 

southern  alike.  You  will  see  the  marks  of  the  wheels,  and  they 
will  serve  to  guide  you.  And,  that  the  skies  and  the  earth 
may  each  receive  their  due  share  of  heat,  go  not  too  high,  or 
you  will  burn  the  heavenly  dwellings,  nor  too  low,  or  you  will 
set  the  earth  on  fire ;  the  middle  course  is  safest  and  best.^ 
And  now  I  leave  you  to  your  chance,  which  I  hope  will  plan 
better  for  you  than  you  have  done  for  yourself.  Night  is 
passing  out  of  the  western  gates  and  we  can  delay  no  longer. 
Take  the  reins ;  but  if  at  last  your  heart  fails  you,  and  you  will 
benefit  by  my  advice,  stay  where  you  are  in  safety,  and  suffer 
me  to  light  and  warm  the  earth."  The  agile  youth  sprang  into 
the  chariot,  stood  erect  and  grasped  the  reins  with  delight, 
pouring  out  thanks  to  his  reluctant  parent. 

Meanwhile  the  horses  fill  the  air  Avith  their  snortings  and 
fiery  breath,  and  stamp  the  ground  inijxatient.  Now  the  bars 
are  let  down,  and  the  boundless  plain  of  the  universe  lies  open 
before  them.  They  dart  forward  and  cleave  the  opposing 
clouds,  and  outrun  the  morning  breezes  which  started  from  the 
same  eastern  goal.  The  steeds  soon  perceived  that  the  load 
they  drew  was  lighter  than  usual ;  and  as  a  ship  without  ballast 
is  tossed  hither  and  thither  on  the  sea,  so  the  chariot,  without 
its  accustomed  weight,  was  dashed  about  as  if  empty.  They 
rush  headlong  and  leave  the  travelled  road.  He  is  alarmed, 
and  knows  not  how  to  guide  them ;  nor,  if  he  knew,  has  he  the 
2)0'\ver.  Then,  for  the  first  time,  the  Great  and  Little  Bear 
Avere  scorched  Avith  heat,  and  would  fain,  if  it  Avere  possible, 
have  plunged  into  the  water ;  and  the  Serpent  Avhich  lies  coiled 
up  round  the  north  pole,  torpid  and  harmless,  grcAV  Avarm,  and 
with  warmth  felt  its  rage  rcAdve.  Bootes,  they  say,  fled  aAvay, 
though  encumbered  Avith  his  plough,  and  all  unused  to  rapid 
motion. 

When  hapless  Phaeton  looked  down  upon  the  earth,  now 
spreading  in  vast  extent  beneath  him,  he  grew  pale  and  his 
knees  shook  with  terror.  In  spite  of  the  glare  all  around  him, 
the  sight  of  his  eyes  grcAV  dim.  He  wished  he  had  never 
touched  his  father's  horses,  never  learned  his  parentage,  never 
prevailed  in  his  request.  He  is  borne  along  like  a  vessel  that 
1  See  Proverbial  Expressions,  page  445. 


54  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

flies  before  a  tempest,  when  tlie  pilot  can  do  no  more  and  be- 
takes himself  to  his  ])rayers.  What  shall  he  do  ?  Much  of  the 
heavenly  road  is  left  behind,  but  more  remains  before.  He 
turns  his  eyes  from  one  direction  to  the  other ;  now  to  the  goal 
whence  he  began  his  course,  now  to  the  realms  of  sunset  which 
he  is  not  destined  to  reach.  He  loses  his  self-command,  and 
knows  not  what  to  do,  —  whether  to  draw  tight  the  reins  or 
throw  them  loose ;  he  forgets  the  names  of  the  horses.  He 
sees  with  terror  the  monstrous  forms  scattered  over  the  surface 
of  heaven.  Here  the  Scorpion  extended .  his  two  great  arms, 
with  his  tail  and  crooked  claws  stretching  over  two  signs  of  the 
zodiac.  When  the  boy  beheld  him,  reeking  with  poison  and 
menacing  with  his  fangs,  his  courage  failed,  and  the  reins 
fell  from  his  hands.  The  horses,  feeling  the  reins  loose  on 
their  backs,  dashed  headlong,  and  unrestrained  went  off  into 
unknown  regions  of  the  sky,  in  among  the  stars,  hurling  the 
chariot  over  pathless  places,  now  up  in  high  heaven,  now  down 
almost  to  the  earth.  The  moon  saw  with  astonishment  her 
brother's  chariot  running  beneath  her  own.  The  clouds  begin 
to  smoke,  and  the  mountain  tops  take  fire;  the  fields  are 
jjarched  with  heat,  the  plants  wither,  the  trees  with  their  leafy 
branches  burn,  the  harvest  is  ablaze!  But  these  are  small 
things.  Great  cities  perished,  with  their  walls  and  towers ; 
whole  nations  with  their  people  were  consumed  to  ashes !  The 
forest-clad  mountains  burned,  Athos  and  Taurus  and  Tmolus 
and  Q^te ;  Ida,  once  celebrated  for  fountains,  but  now  all  dry ; 
the  Muses'  mountain  Helicon,  and  Haemus ;  -^tna,  with  fires 
within  and  without,  and  Parnassus,  with  his  two  peaks,  and 
Rhodope,  forced  at  last  to  part  Avith  his  snowy  crown.  Her 
cold  climate  was  no  protection  to  Scythia,  Caucasus  burned, 
and  Ossa  and  Pindus,  and,  greater  than  both,  Olympus  ;  the 
Alps  high  in  air,  and  the  Apennines  crowned  with  clouds. 

Then  Phaeton  beheld  the  Avoi-ld  on  fire,  and  felt  the  heat 
intolerable.  The  air  he  breathed  was  like  the  air  of  a  furnace 
and  full  of  burning  ashes,  and  the  smoke  was  of  a  pitchy  dark- 
ness. He  dashed  forward  he  knew  not  whither.  Then,  it  is 
believed,  the  people  of  Ethiopia  became  black  by  the  blood 
being  forced  so  suddenly  to  the  surface,  and  the  Libyan  desert 


PHAETON. 


55 


was  dried  up  to  the  condition  in  which  it  remains  to  this  day. 
The  Nyniphs  of  the  fountains,  with  dislievelled  hair,  mourned 
their  Avaters,  nor  were  the  rivers  safe  beneath  their  banks  ; 
Tanais  smoked,  and  Caicus,  Xanthus  and  Meander.  Babylonian 
Euphrates  and  Ganges,  Tagus  with  golden  sands,  and  Caijster 
where  the  swans  resort.  Nile  fled  away  and  hid  his  head  in 
the  desert,  and  there  it  still  remains  concealed.     Where  he 


used  to  discharge  his  waters  through  seven  mouths  into  the 
sea,  there  seven  dry  channels  alone  remained.  The  earth 
cracked  open,  and  through  the  chinks  light  bi'oke  into  Tar- 
tarus, and  frightened  the  king  of  shadows  and  his  queen.  The 
sea  shrank  ujj.  Where  before  Avas  water,  it  became  a  dry 
l)lain ;  and  the  mountains  that  lie  beneath  the  Avaves  lifted  up 
their  heads  and  became  islands.  The  fishes  sought  the  loAvest 
dejDths,  and  the  dolphins  no  longer  ventured  as  usual  to  sport 
on  the  surface.  Even  Nereus,  and  his  wife  Doris,  Avath  the 
Nereids,  their  daughters,  sought  the  deepest  caves  for  refuge. 
Thrice  Neptune  essayed  to  raise  his  head  above  the  surface, 
and  thrice  Avas  driven  back  by  the  heat.  Earth,  surrounded  as 
she  Avas  by  Avaters,  yet  with  head  and  shoulders  bare,  screening 
her  face  Avith  her  hand,  looked  up  to  heaven,  and  Avith  a  husky 
voice  called  on  Jupiter. 


56  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

"O  ruler  of  the  gods,  if  I  have  deserved  this  treatment, 
and  it  is  your  will  that  I  perish  with  fire,  why  withhold  your 
thunderbolts  ?  Let  me  at  least  fall  by  your  hand.  Is  this  the 
reward  of  my  fertility,  of  my  obedient  service  ?  Is  it  for  this 
that  I  have  supplied  herbage  for  cattle,  and  fruits  for  men,  and 
frankincense  for  your  altars  ?  But  if  I  am  unworthy  of  regard, 
what  has  my  brother  Ocean  done  to  deserve  such  a  fate? 
If  neither  of  us  can  excite  your  pity,  think,  I  jjray  you,  of  your 
own  heaven,  and  behold  how  both  the  poles  are  smoking  whicli 
sustain  your  palace,  which  must  fall  if  they  be  destroyed. 
Atlas  faints,  and  scarce  holds  up  his  burden.  If  sea,  earth,  and 
heaven  perish,  we  fall  into  ancient  Chaos.  Save  what  yet 
remains  to  us  from  the  devouring  flame.  Oh,  take  thouglit  for 
our  deliverance  in  this  awful  moment !  " 

Thus  spoke  Earth,  and  overcome  with  heat  and  thirst,  could 
say  no  more.  Tlieu  Jupiter  Omnipotent,  calling  to  witness  all 
the  gods,  including  him  who  had  lent  the  chariot,  and  showing 
them  that  all  was  lost  unless  some  speedy  remedy  were  applied, 
mounted  the  lofty  tower  from  Avhence  he  diffuses  clouds  over 
the  eartli,  and  hurls  the  forked  lightnings.  But  at  that  time 
not  a  cloud  Avas  to  be  found  to  interpose  for  a  screen  to  earth, 
nor  was  a  shower  remaining  unexhausted.  He  tliundered,  and 
brandishing  a  lightning-bolt  in  his  right  Imnd  launched  it 
against  the  charioteer,  and  struck  him  at  the  same  moment 
from  his  seat  and  from  existence !  Phaeton,  with  ]iis  hair  on 
fire,  fell  headlong,  like  a  shooting  star  which  marks  the  heavens 
with  its  brightness  as  it  falls,  and  Eridanus,  the  great  river, 
received  him  and  cooled  his  burning  frame.  The  Italian 
Naiads  reared  a  tomb  for  him,  and  inscribed  these  words  upon 
the  stone:  — 

"  Driver  of  Pliffilius'  chariot,  Phaeton, 
Struck  by  Jove's  thunder,  rests  beneath  this  stone. 
He  could  not  rule  his  father's  car  of  fire, 
Yet  was  it  much  so  nobly  to  aspire."  ^ 

His  sisters,  the  Heliadcs,  as  tlicy  lamented  his  fate  Avere 
turned  into  poplar  trees,  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  and  their 
tears,  which  continued  to  flow,  became  amber  as  they  dropped 
into  the  stream. 

1  Sec  Proverbial  Expressions,  pa<2;e  415. 


PHAETON.  57 

One  of  Prior's  best  remembered  poems  is  that  on  the  Female 
Phaeton,  from  which  we  quote  the  last  verse. 

Kitty  has  been  imploring  her  mother  to  allow  her  to  go  out 
into  the  world  as  her  friends  have  done,  if  only  for  once. 

"  Fondness  prevailed,  mamma  gave  way ; 
Kitty,  at  heart's  desire. 
Obtained  the  cliariot  for  a  day, 
And  set  the  world  on  fire." 

Milman,  in  his  poem  of  Samor,  makes  the  following  allusion 
to  Phaeton's  story  :  — 

"As  when  the  palsied  universe  aghast 
Lay  ....  mute  and  still, 

When  drove,  so  poets  sing-,  the  Sun-born  j'outh 
Devious  through  Heaven's  affrighted  signs  his  sire's 
Ill-granted  chariot.     Him  the  Thunderer  hurled 
From  th'  empyrean  headlong  to  the  gulf 
Of  the  half-parched  Eridanus,  where  weep 
Even  now  the  sister  trees  their  amber  tears 
O'er  Phaeton  untimely  dead." 

In  the  beautiful  lines  of  Walter  Savage  Landor  describing 
the  sea-shell,  there  is.  an  allusion  to  the  Sun's  palace  and  char- 
iot.    The  water-nymph  says,  — 

" 1  have  sinuous  shells  of  pearly  hue 

Within,  and  things  that  lustre  have  imbibed 

In  the  sun's  palace  porch,  where  when  unyoked 

His  chariot-wheel  stands  midway  in  the  wave. 

Shake  one  and  it  awakens ;   then  apply 

Its  polished  lip  to  your  attentive  ear. 

And  it  remembers  its  august  abodes, 

And  murmurs  as  the  ocean  murmurs  there." 

Gebir,  Book  I. 


CHAPTER    IV. 

MIDAS.— BAUCIS    AND    PHILEMON. —PLUTO    AND 
PROSERPINE. 


BACCHUS,  on  a  certain  occasion,  found  his  old  school-mas- 
ter and  foster-father,  Silenus,  missing.  The  old  man  had 
been  drinking,  and  in  that  state  had  wandered  away,  and  was 
found  by  some  peasants,  who  carried  hira  to  their  king,  Midas. 
Midas  recognized  him,  and  treated  him  hospitably,  entertaining 
him  for  ten  days  and  nights  with  an  unceasing  round  of  jollity. 
On  the  eleventh  day  he  brought  Silenus  back,  and  restored  him 
in  safety  to  his  pupil.  Whereupon  Bacchus  offered  Midas  his 
choice  of  whatever  reward  he  might  wish.  He  asked  that 
whatever  he  might  touch  should^be  changed  into  rjold.  Bac- 
chus consented,  though  sorry  that  he  had  not  made  a  better 
choice.  Midas  went  his  way,  rejoicing  in  his  newly  acquired 
power,  which  he  hastened  to  put  to  the  test.  He  could  scarce 
believe  his  eyes  when  he  found  that  a  twig  of  an  oak,  which  he 
plucked  from  the  branch,  became  gold  in  liis  hand.  He  took 
up  a  stone  —  it  changed  to  gold.  He  touched  a  sod  —  it  did 
the  same.  He  took  an  apple  from  the  tree  —  you  would 
have  thought  he  had  robbed  the  garden  of  the  Hesperides. 
His  joy  knew  no  bounds,  and  as  soon  as  he  got  home,  he 
ordered  the  servants  to  set  a  splendid  repast  on  the  table. 


MIDAS.  59 

Then  ho  found  to  his  dismay  that  whether  he  touched  bread, 
it  hardened  in  his  hand ;  or  put  a  morsel  to  his  lips,  it  defied 
his  teeth.  He  took  a  glass  of  wine,  but  it  flowed  down  his 
throat  like  melted  gold. 

In  consternation  at  the  unprecedented  afiliction,  he  strove  to 
divest  himself  of  his  power ;  he  hated  the  gift  he  had  lately 
coveted.  But  all  in  vain;  starvation  seemed  to  await  him. 
He  raised  his  arms,  all  shining  with  gold,  in  prayer  to  Bacchus, 
begging  to  be  delivered  from  his  glittering  destruction.  Bac- 
chus, merciful  deity,  heard  and  consented.  "Go,"  said  he,  "to 
the  River  Pactolus,  trace  the  stream  to  its  fountain-head,  there 
plunge  in  your  head  and  body  and  wash  away  your  fault  and 
its  punishment."  He  did  so,  and  scarce  had  he  touched  the 
waters  before  the  gold-creating  power  passed  into  them,  and 
the  river  sands  became  changed  into  gold^  as  they  remain  to 
this   day. 

Thenceforth  Midas,  hating  wealth  and  splendor,  dwelt  in  the 
country,  and  became  a  worshipper  of  Pan,  the  god  of  the  fields. 
On  a  certain  occasion  Pan  had  the  temerity  to  compare  his 
music  with  that  of  Apollo,  and  to  challenge  the  god  of  the  lyre 
to  a  trial  of  skill.  The  challenge  was  accepted,  and  Tmolus, 
the  mountain-god,  Avas  cliosen  umpire.  Tmolus  took  his  seat 
and  cleared  away  the  trees  from  his  ears  to  listen.  At  a 
given  signal  Pan  blew  on  his  pipes,  and  with  his  rustic  melody 
gave  great  satisfaction  to  himself  and  his  faithful  follower 
Midas,  wdio  happened  to  be  present.  Then  Tmolus  turned  his 
head  toward  the  Sun-god,  and  all  his  trees  turned  with  him. 
Apollo  rose,  his  brow  wreathed  with  Parnassian  laurel,  while 
his  robe  of  Tyrian  purple  swept  the  ground.  In  his  left  hand 
he  held  the  lyre,  and  with  liis  right  hand  struck  the  strings. 
Ea^ished  with  the  harmony,  Tmolus  at  once  awarded  the  vic- 
tory to  the  god  of  the  lyre,  and  all  but  Midas  acquiesced  in 
the  judgment.  He  dissented,  and  questioned  the  justice  of  the 
award,  Apollo  would  not  suffer  such  a  depraved  pair  of  ears 
any  longer  to  wear  the  humim  foi  m,  but  caused  them  to  increase 
in  length,  grow  hairy,  within  and  without,  and  to  become  mov- 
able on  their  roots ;  in  short,  to  be  on  the  perfect  pattern  of 
those  of  an  ass. 


GO  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HERGES. 

Mortified  enough  was  King  Midas  at  this  mishap ;  but  he 
consoled  himself  with  the  thought  that  it  was  possible  to  hide 
his  misfortune,  which  he  attempted  to  do  by  means  of  an  ample 
turban  or  headdress.  But  his  hairdresser  of  course  knew  the 
secret.  He  was  charged  not  to  mention  it,  and  threatened  Avith 
dire  punishment  if  he  presumed  to  disobey.  But  he  found  it 
too  much  for  his  discretion  to  keep  such  a  secret ;  so  he  Avent 
out  into  the  meadow,  dug  a  hole  in  the  ground,  and  stooping 
down,  whispered  the  story,  and  covered  it  up.  Before  long  a 
thick  bed  of  reeds  sprang  up  in  the  meadow,  and  as  soon  as  it 
had  gained  its  growth,  began  whispering  the  story,  and  has 
continued  to  do  so,  from  that  day  to  this,  with  every  breeze 
Avhich  passes  over  the  place. 

The  story  of  King  Midas  has  been  told  by  others  with  some 
variations.  Dryden,  in  the  Wife  of  Bath's  Tale,  makes  Midas' 
queen  the  betrayer  of  the  secret, 

"  This  Midas  knew,  and  durst  comnumicate 
To  none  but  to  his  wife  his  ears  of  state." 

Midas  was  king  of  Phrygia.  He  was  the  son  of  Gordius,  a 
])()or  countryman,  who  was  taken  by  the  people  and  made 
king,  in  obedience  to  the  command  of  the  oracle,  which  had 
said  that  their  future  king  should  come  in  a  wagon.  While  the 
people  were  deliberating,  Gordius  with  his  wife  and  son  came 
driving  his  wagon  into  the  public  square. 

Gordius,  being  made  king,  dedicated  his  wagon  to  the  deity  of 
the  oracle,  and  tied  it  up  in  its  place  Avith  a  fast  knot.  This  Avas 
the  celebrated  Gordian  knot,  of  Avhich,  in  after  times  it  Avas  said, 
that  Avhoever  should  untie  it  should  become  lord  of  all  Asia. 
Many  tried  to  untie  it,  but  none  succeeded,  till  Alexander  the 
Great,  in  his  career  of  conquest,  came  to  Phrygia.  He  tried 
his  skill  Avith  as  ill-success  as  the  others,  till  groAving  impatient 
he  drew  his  SAVord  and  cut  the  knot.  When  he  aftcrAvards 
succeeded  in  subjecting  all  Asia  to  his  SAvay,  people  b.egan 
to  think  that  he  had  complied  Avith  the  terms  of  the  oracle 
accordinc:  to  its  true  meaning:. 


BAUCIS    AND    nilLEMON.  61 


Baucis  and  PiifLEMox. 

On  a  certain  bill  in  Phrygia  stand  a  linclcn-trcc  and  an  oak, 
enclosed  by  a  low  wall.  Not  far  from  tbe  spot  is  a  niarsb, 
formerly  good  babitable  land,  but  now  indented  witb  pools, 
tbe  resort  of  fen-birds  and  cormorants.  •  Once  on  a  time, 
Jupiter,  in  buman  sbape,  visited  this  country,  and  with  him 
bis  son  Mercury  (he  of  tbe  caduceus),  without  his  wings. 
They  presented  themselves  at  many  a  door  as  Aveary  travellers, 
seeking  rest  and  shelter,  but  found  all  closed,  for  it  was  late, 
and  tbe  inhospitable  inhabitants  would  not  rouse  themselves  to 
open  for  their  reception.  At  last  a  bumble  mansion  received 
them,  a  small  thatched  cottage,  where  Baucis,  a  pious  old 
dame,  and  her  husband  Philemon,  united  when  young,  had 
grown  old  together.  Not  ashamed  of  their  poverty,  they  made 
it  endurable  by  moderate  desires  and  kind  disi)ositions.  One 
need  not  look  there  for  master  or  for  servant ;  they  two  were 
tbe  whole  household,  master  and  servant  alike.  When  tlie  two 
heavenly  guests  crossed  the  humble  threshold,  and  bowed 
their  heads  to  pass  under  tbe  Ioav  door,  the  old  man  j^laced  a 
seat,  on  which  Baucis,  bustling  and  attentive,  spread  a  cloth, 
and  begged  them  to  sit  down.  Then  she  raked  ont  the  coals 
from  the  ashes,  kindled  up  a  fire,  and  fed  it  with  leaves  and  dry 
bark,  and  witb  her  scanty  breath  blew  it  into  a  flame.  She 
brought  out  of  a  corner  split  sticks  and  dry  branches,  broke 
them  up,  and  placed  them  under  the  small  kettle.  Her  hus- 
band collected  some  pot-herbs  in  the  garden,  and  she  shred 
them  from  the  stalks,  and  prepared  them  for  the  pot.  He 
reached  down  witb  a  forked  stick  a  flitch  of  bacon  banging  in 
tbe  chimney,  cut  a  small  piece,  and  put  it  in  the  pot  to  boil 
witb  tbe  herl)S,  setting  away  the  rest  for  another  time.  A 
beechen  bowl  was  filled  with  warm  water  that  their  guests 
might  wash.  While  all  was  doing  they  beguiled  the  time  with 
conversation. 

On  tbe  bench  designed  for  the  guests  Avas  laid  a  cushion 
stuffed  with  sea-Aveed ;  and  a  cloth,  only  produced  on  great 
occasions,    but    old    and    coarse    enough,    Avas    spread    OA-er 


G2  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

tliat.  The  old  woman,  with  lier  fi2->i-on  on,  with  tremhling 
hand  set  the  table.  One  leg  was  shorter  than  the  rest,  but 
a  shell  put  under  restored  the  level.  When  fixed,  she  rubbed 
the  table  down  with  some  sweet-smelling  herbs.  Upon  it  she 
set  some  olives,  Minerva's-fruit,  some  cornel-berries  preserved 
in  vinegar,  and  added  radishes  and  cheese,  with  eggs  lightly 
cooked  in  the  ashes.  All  were  served  in  earthen  dishes,  and 
an  earthenware  })itcher,  with  wooden  cups,  stood  beside  them. 
When  all  was  ready,  the  stew,  smoking  hot,  was  set  on  the 
table.  Some  wine,  not  of  the  oldest,  was  added  ;  and  for 
dessert,  apples  and  wild  honey;  and  over  and  above  all,  friendly 
faces,  and  simple  but  hearty  welcome. 

Now  Avhile  the  repast  proceeded,  the  old  folks  were  aston- 
ished to  see  that  the  wine,  as  fast  as  it  was  poured  out,  renewed 
itself  in  the  pitcher,  of  its  own  accord.  Struck  Avith  terror, 
Baucis  and  Philemon  recognized  their  heavenly  guests,  fell  on 
their  knees,  and  with  clasped  hands  implored  forgiveness  for 
their  poor  entertainment.  There  was  an  old  goose,  which  they 
kept  as  the  guardian  of  their  humble  cottage ;  and  they  be- 
thought them  to  make  this  a  sacrifice  in  honor  of  their  guests. 
But  the  goose,  too  nimble  for  the  old  folks,  eluded  their  pur- 
suit with  the  aid  of  feet  and  wings,  and  at  last  took  shelter 
between  the  gods  themselves.  They  forbade  it  to  be  slain ; 
and  spoke  in  these  words:  "We  are  gods.  This  inhospitable 
village  shall  pay  the  penalty  of  its  impiety ;  you  alone  shall  go 
free  from  the  chastisement.  Quit  your  house,  and  come  with 
us  to  the  top  of  yonder  hill."  They  hastened  to  obey,  and, 
staff  in  hand,  labored  up  the  steep  ascent.  They  had  come 
within  an  arrow's  flight  of  the  top,  when  turning  their  eyes 
below,  they  beheld  all  the  country  sunk  in  a  lake,  only  their 
own  house  left  standing.  While  they  gazed  with  wonder  at 
the  sight,  and  lamented  the  fate  of  their  neighbors,  that  old 
house  of  theirs  was  changed  into  a  temple.  Columns  took  the 
place  of  the  corner-posts,  the  thatch  grew  yellow  and  appeared 
a  gilded  roof,  the  floors  became  marble,  the  doors  were  enriched 
with  carving  and  ornaments  of  gold.  Then  spoke  Jupiter  in 
benignant  accents :  "  Excellent  old  man,  and  woman  worthy 
of  such  a  husband,  speak,  tell  us  your  wishes ;  what  favor  have 


BAUCIS    AND    PHILEMON.  63 

you  to  ask  of  us?"  Philemon  took  counsel  with  Baucis  a  few 
moments ;  then  declared  to  the  gods  their  united  wish.  "  AVe 
ask  to  be  priests  and  guardians  of  this  your  temple  ;  and  since 
licre  we  have  passed  our  lives  in  love  and  concord,  we  wish 
tliat  one  and  the  same  hour  may  take  us  both  from  life,  that  I 
may  not  live  to  see  her  grave,  nor  be  laid  in  my  OAvn  by  her." 
Tlieir  prayer  was  granted.  They  were  the  keepers  of  the 
temple  as  long  as  they  lived.  When  grown  very  old,  as  they 
stood  one  day  before  the  steps  of  the  sacred  edifice,  and  were 
telling  the  story  of  the  place,  Baucis  saw  Philemon  begin  to 
put  forth  leaves,  and  old  Philemon  saw  Baucis  changing  in  like 
manner.  And  now  a  leafy  crown  had  grown  over  their  heads, 
while  exchanging  parting  words,  as  long  as  they  could  speak. 
"FareAvell,  dear  spouse,"  tliey  said,  together,  and  at  the  same 
moment  the  bark  closed  over  their  mouth.s.  The  Tyanean 
shepherd  long  showed  the  two  trees,  standing  side  by  side,  made 
out  of  the  two  good  old  people. 

The  story  of  Baucis  and  Philemon  has  been  imitated  by 
Swift,  in  a  burlesque  style,  the  actors  in  the  change  being  two 
wandering  saints  and  the  house  being  changed  into  a  church, 
of  which  Philemon  is  made  the  parson.  The  following  may 
serve  as  a  specimen:  — 

"  They  scarce  had  spoke,  when,  fan-  and  soft, 
The  i-oof  began  to  mount  aloft ; 
Aloft  rose  every  beam  and  rafter; 
The  heavy  wall  climbed  slowly  after. 
The  chimney  widened  and  grew  higher. 
Became  a  steeple  with  a  spire. 
The  kettle  to  the  top  was  hoist, 
And  there  stood  fastened  to  a  joist. 
But  with  the  upside  down,  to  show 
Its  inclination  for  below ; 
In  vain,  for  a  superior  force. 
Applied  at  bottom,  stops  its  course ; 
Doomed  ever  in  suspense  to  dwell, 
'Tis  now  no  kettle,  but  a  bell. 
A  wooden  jack,  which  had  almost 
Lost  by  disuse  the  art  to  roast, 
A  sudden  alteration  feels, 
Increased  by  new  intestine  wheels ; 
And,  what  exalts  the  wonder  more. 
The  number  made  the  motion  slower; 


64  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

The  flier,  though  't  had  leaden  feet, 

Turned  round  so  quick  you  scarce  could  see  't; 

But  slackened  by  some  secret  power, 

Now  luxrdly  moves  an  inch  an  hour. 

The  jack  and  chimney,  near  allied, 

Had  never  left  each  other's  side. 

The  chimney  to  a  steeple  grown, 

The  jack  would  not  be  left  alone ; 

But  up  against  the  steeple  reared, 

Became  a  clock,  and  still  adhered ; 

And  still  its  love  to  household  cares 

By  a  shrill  voice  at  noon  declares. 

Warning  the  cook-maid  not  to  burn 

That  roast  meat  which  it  cannot  turn. 

The  groaning  chair  began  to  crawl, 

Like  a  huge  snail,  along  the  wall ; 

There  stuck  aloft  in  public  view, 

And,  with  small  change,  a  pulpit  grew. 

A  bedstead  of  the  antique  mode, 

Compact  of  timber  many  a  load, 

Such  as  our  ancestors  did  use. 

Was  metamorphosed  into  pews, 

Which  still  their  ancient  nature  keep 

By  lodging  folks  disposed  to  sleep." 

Proserpine. 

Under  tlie  island  of  ^tna  lies  Typhceus  the  Titan,  in  punish- 
ment for  his  share  in  the  rebellion  of  the  giants  against  Jupiter. 
Two  mountains  jjress  down — the  one  his  right  and  the  other 
his  left  hand  —  while  ^tna  lies  over  his  head.  As  Typhoeus 
moves,  the  earth  shakes ;  as  he  breathes,  smoke  and  ashes  come 
up  from  ^tna.  Pluto  is  terrified  at  the  rocking  of  the  earth, 
and  fears  that  his  kingdom  will  be  laid  open  to  the  light  of 
day.  He  mounts  his  chariot  with  the  four  black  horses  and 
comes  up  to  earth  and  looks  around.  While  he  is  thus  engaged, 
Venus,  sitting  on  Mount  Eryx  playing  Avith  her  boy  Cupid,  sees 
him  and  says  :  "  My  son,  take  your  darts  with  which  you  con- 
quer all,  even.  Jove  himself,  and  send  one  into  the  breast  of 
yonder  dark  monarch,  who  rules  the  realm  of  Tartarus.  AVhy 
should  he  alone  escape  ?  Seize  the  opportunity  to  extend  your 
empire  and  mine.  Do  you  not  see  that  even  in  heaven  some 
despise  our  power?  Minerva  the  wise,  and  Diana  the  huntress, 
defy  us ;  and  there  is  that  daughter  of  Ceres,  ^vho  threatens  to 


PROSE  RPIXE. 


6.5 


follow  their  exami^le.  Now  do  you,  if  you  have  any  regard  for 
your  own  interest  or  mine,  join  these  two  in  one."  The  boy 
unbound  his  quiver,  and  selected  his  shari^est  and  truest  arrow; 
then,  straining  the  bow  against  his  knee,  he  attached  the  string, 
and,  having  made  ready,  shot  the  arrow  with  its  barbed  point 
right  into  the  heart  of 
Pluto. 

In  the  vale  of  Enna 
there  is  a  lake  em- 
bowered in  woods, 
which  screen  it  from 
the  fervid  rays  of  the 
sun,  while  the  moist 
ground  is  covered 
with  flowers,  and 
Spring  reigns  perpet- 
ual. Here  Proser])ine 
Avas  playing  with  her  (" 
companions, gathering  '^ 
lilies  and  violets,  and 
filling  her  basket  and 
her  ajjron  with  them, 
Avlien  Pluto  saw  her 
from  his  chariot,  loved 
her,  and  carried  her 
off.  She  screamed  for 
help  to  her  mother  and 
her  companions ;  and 
when  in  her  fright  she 
dropped  the  corners  of 
her  apron  and  let  the 
flowers  fall,  childlike, 
she  felt  the  loss  of  them  as  an  addition  to  her  grief.  The  rav- 
isher  urged  on  his  steeds,  calling  them  each  by  name,  and 
throwing  loose  over  their  heads  and  necks  his  iron-colored  reins. 
When  he  reached  the  River  Cyane,  and  it  opposed  his  passage, 
he  struck  the  river-bank  with  his  trident,  and  the  earth  opened 
and  gave  him  a  passage  to  Tartarus. 


CROUCHING  VENUS. 


66  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Ceres  sought  her  daughter  all  the  world  over.  Bright-haired 
Aurora,  when  she  came  forth  in  the  morning,  and  Hesperus, 
when  he  led  out  the  stars  in  the  evening,  found  her  still  busy- 
in  the  search.  But  it  Avas  all  unavailing.  At  length,  weary  and 
sad,  she  sat  down  upon  a  stone,  and  continued  sitting  nine  days 
and  nights,  in  the  open  air,  under  the  sunlight  and  moonlight 
and  falling  showers.  It  was  where  now  stands  the  city  of 
Eleusis,  then  the  home  of  an  old  man  named  Celeus.  He  was 
out  in  the  field,  gathering  acorns  and  blackberries,  and  sticks 
for  his  fire.  His  little  girl  was  driving  home  their  two  goats, 
and  as  she  passed  the  goddess,  who  appeared  in  the  guise  of  an 
old  woman,  she  said  to  her,  "  Mother,"  —  and  the  name  Avas 
sweet  to  the  ears  of  Ceres,  —  "  why  do  you  sit  here  alone  upon 
the  rocks?"  The  old  man  also  stopped,  though  his  load  was 
heavy,  and  begged  her  to  come  into  his  cottage,  such  as  it  was. 
She  declined,  and  he  urged  her.  "  Go  in  peace,"  she  replied, 
"  and  be  happy  in  your  daughter  ;  I  have  lost  mine."  As  she 
spoke,  tears  —  or  something  like  tears,  for  the  gods  never 
weep  —  fell  down  her  cheeks  upon  her  bosom.  The  compas- 
sionate old  man  and  his  child  wept  with  her.  Then  said  he, 
"Come  Avith  us,  and  despise  not  our  humble  roof;  so  may  your 
daughter  be  restored  to  you  in  safety."  "  Lead  on,"  said  she, 
"  I  cannot  resist  that  appeal !  "  So  she  rose  from  the  stone 
and  Avent  Avith  them.  As  they  Avalked  he  told  her  that  his  only 
son,  a  little  boy,  lay  A'ery  sick,  feverish  and  sleepless.  She 
stooped  and  gathered  some  poppies.  As  they  entered  the  cot- 
tage they  found  all  in  great  distress,  for  the  boy  seemed  past 
hope  of  recovery.  Metanira,  his  mother,  received  her  kindly, 
and  the  goddess  stooped  and  kissed  the  lips  of  the  sick  child. 
Instantly  the  paleness  left  his  face,  and  healthy  A'igor  returned 
to  his  body.  The  Avhole  family  were  delighted  —  that  is,  the 
father,  mother,  and  little  girl,  for  they  were  all ;  they  had  no 
servants.  They  spread  the  table,  and  put  upon  it  curds  and 
cream,  apples,  and  honey  in  the  comb.  "While  they  ate,  Ceres 
mingled  poppy-juice  in  the  milk  of  the  boy.  When  night 
came  and  all  Avas  still,  she  arose,  and  taking  the  sleeping  boy, 
moulded  his  limbs  Avith  her  hands,  and  uttered  over  him  three 
times  a  solemn  charm,  then  went  and  laid  him  in  the  ashes. 


PROSERPINE. 


07 


His  mother,  who  held  been  watching  wliat  her  guest  was  doing, 
sprang  forward  with  a  cry  and  snatched  the  child  from  the  fire. 
Then  Ceres  assumed  her  own  form,  and  a  divine  splendor  shone 
all  around.  While  they  were  overcome  with  astonishment,  she 
said,  "Mother,  you  have  been 
cruel  in  your  fondness  to  your 
son.  I  would  have  made  him 
immortal,  l)ut  you  have  frus- 
trated my  attempt.  Neverthe- 
less, he  shall  be  great  and  useful. 
He  shall  teach  men  the  use  of 
the  j^lough,  and  the  rewards 
which  labor  can  win 
from  the  cultivated 
soil."  So  saying,  she 
wrapped  a  cloud 
about  her,  and  mounting  her 
chariot  rode  away. 

Ceres  continued  her  search 
for  her  daughter,  passing  from 
land  to  land,  and  across  seas  and 
rivers,  till  at  length  she  returned 
to  Sicily,  whence  she  at  first  set 
out,  and  stood  by  the  banks  of 
the  River  Cyane,  whei'e  Pluto 
made  himself  a  passage  with  his 
prize  to  his  own  dominions. 
The  river-nymph  would  have 
told  the  goddess  all  she  had 
witnessed,  but  dared  not,  for 
fear  of  Pluto ;  so  she  only  ven- 
tured to  take  up  the  girdle  which  peoserpine. 
Proserpine  had  dropped  in  her  flight,  and  waft  it  to  the  feet  of 
the  mother.  Ceres,  seeing  this,  was  no  longer  in  doubt  of  her 
loss,  but  she  did  not  yet  know  the  cause,  and  laid  the  blame  on 
the  innocent  land.  "Ungrateful  soil,"  said  she,  "which  I  have 
endowed  with  fertility  and  clothed  with  herbage  and  nourishing 
grain,  no  more  shall  you  enjoy  my  favors."     Then  the  cattle 


b»  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

died,  the  plough  broke  in  tlie  furrow,  the  seed  failed  to  come 
up  ;  there  was  too  much  sun,  thei-e  was  too  much  rain  ;  the 
birds  stole  the  seeds,  —  thistles  and  brambles  were  the  only 
growth.  Seeing  this,  the  fountain  Arethusa  interceded  for  the 
land.  "  Goddess,"  said  she,  "  blame  not  the  land ;  it  opened 
unwillingly  to  yield  a  passage  to  your  daughter.  I  can  tell 
you  of  her  fate,  for  I  have  seen  her.  This  is  not  my  native 
country  ;  I  came  hither  from  Ells.  I  was  a  woodland  nyiuph, 
and  delighted  in  the  chase.  They  j^raised  my  beauty,  but  I 
cared  nothing  for  it,  and  rather  boasted  of  my  hunting  exploits. 
One  day  I  Avas  returning  from  the  wood,  heated  Avith  exercise, 
when  I  came  to  a  stream  silently  flowing,  so  clear  that  you 
might  count  the  pebbles  on  the  bottom.  The  willows  shaded 
it,  and  the  grassy  bank  sloped  down  to  the  water's  edge. 
I  approached,  I  touched  the  Avater  with  my  foot.  I  stepped 
in  knee-deep,  and  not  content  with  that,  I  laid  my  garments 
on  the  Avillows  and  Avent  in.  AVhile  I  sported  in  the  Avater,.! 
heard  an  indistinct  murmur  coming  up  as  out  of  the  depths  of 
the  stream ;  and  made  haste  to  escape  to  the  nearest  bank. 
The  voice  said,  'Why  do  you  fly,  Arethusa?  I  am  Alpheus, 
the  god  of  this  stream.'  I  ran,  he  pursued ;  he  Avas  not  more 
swift  than  I,  but  he  was  stronger,  and  gained  upon  me,  as  my 
strength-  failed.  At  last,  exhausted,  I  cried  for  hel})  to  Diana. 
'Help  me,  goddess!  help  your  votary!'  The  goddess  heard, 
and  Avrapjied  me  suddenly  in  a  thick  cloud.  The  river-god 
looked  now  this  AA^ay  and  noAV  that,  and  tAvice  came  close  to 
me,  but  could  not  find  me.  'Arethusa!  Arethusa !' he  cried. 
Oh,  hoAv  I  trembled, — like  a  lamb  that  hears  the  Avolf  growling 
outside  the  fold.  A  cold  sweat  came  over  me,  my  hair  floAved 
doAvn  in  streams ;  Avhere  my  foot  stood  there  was  a  pool.  In 
short,  in  less  time  tlian  it  takes  to  tell  it  I  became  a  fountain. 
But  in  this  form  Alpheus  kncAV  me,  and  attempted  to  mingle 
his  stream  with  mine.  Diana  cleft  the  ground,  and  I,  endeaA^- 
oring  to  escape  him,  plunged  into  the  cavern,  and  through  the 
bowels  of  the  earth  came  out  here  in  Sicily.  While  I  passed 
through  the  lower  parts  of  the  earth,  I  saAv  your  Proserpine. 
She  was  sad,  but  no  longer  showing  alarm  in  her  countenance. 
Her  look  was  such  as  became  a  queen,  —  the  queen  of  Erebus ; 


PROSERPINE.  69 

the  powerful  bride  of  the  monarch  of  the  realms  of  the 
dead." 

When  Ceres  heard  this,  she  stood  for  a  while  like  one 
stupefied ;  then  turned  her  chariot  towards  heaven,  and  has- 
tened to  present  herself  before  the  throne  of  Jove.  She  told 
the  story  of  her  bereavement,  and  implored  Jupiter  to  interfere 
to  i^rocure  the  restitution  of  her  daughter.  Jupiter  consented 
on  one  condition,  namely,  that  Proserpine  should  not  during 
her  stay  in  the  lower  world  have  taken  any  food  ;  otherwise, 
the  Fates  forbade  her  release.  Accordingly^,  Mercury  was  sent, 
accompanied  by  Spring,  to  demand  Proserpine  of  Pluto.  The 
wily  monarch  consented ;  but  alas !  the  maiden  had  taken  a 
pomegranate  which  Pluto  offered  her,  and  had  sucked  the 
sweet  pulp  from  a  few  of  the  seeds.  This  was  enough  to  pre- 
vent her  complete  release ;  but  a  compromise  was  made,  by 
which  she  was  to  pass  half  the  time  with  her  mother,  and  the 
rest  witli  her  husband  Pluto. 

Ceres  allowed  herself  to  be  pacified  with  this  arrangement, 
and  restored  the  earth  to  her  favor.  Now  she  remembered 
Celeus  and  his  family,  and  her  j^romise  to  his  infant  son  Trip- 
tolemus.  When  the  boy  grew  up,  she  taught  him  the  use  of 
the  plough,  and  how  to  sow  the  seed.  She  took  him  in  her 
chariot,  drawn  by  winged  dragons,  through  all  the  countries 
of  the  earth,  imparting  to  mankinvd  valuable  grains,  and  the 
knowledge  of  agriculture.  After  liis  retui-n,  Triptolemus  built 
a  magnificent  temple  to  Ceres  in  Eleusis,  and  established  the 
Avorship  of  the  goddess,  under  the  name  of  the  Eleusinian  mys- 
teries, which,  in  the  splendor  and  solemnity  of  their  observance, 
surpassed  all  other  religious  celebrations  among  the  Greeks. 

There  can  be  little  doubt  but  that  this  story  of  Ceres  and  Pros- 
erpine is  an  allegory.  Proserpine  signifies  the  seed-corn,  which, 
when  cast  into  the  ground,  lies  there  concealed,  —  that  is,  she 
is  carried  off  by  the  god  of  the  underworld  ;  it  reappears,  — 
that  is,  Proserpine  is  restored  to  her  mother.  Spring  leads  her 
back  to  the  light  of  day. 

Milton  alludes  to  the  story  of  Proserpine  in  Paradise  Lost, 
Book  IV. :  — 

"  Not  tliat  fuir  field 
Of  Enna  where  Proserpine  gathering  flowers, 


70  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Herself  a  fairer  flower,  by  gloomy  Dis  i 
Was  gathered,  which  cost  Ceres  all  that  pain 

To  seek  her  through  the  world, 

....  might  with  this  Paradise 
Of  Eden  strive." 

Hood,  in  his  Ode  to  Melancholy,  uses  the  same  allusion  very 

beautifully :  — 

"Forgive,  if  somewhile  I  forget, 
In  woe  to  come  the  present  bliss ; 
As  frightened  Proserpine  let  fall 
Her  iiowers  at  the  sight  of  Dis." 

The  River  Alpheus  does  in  fact  disappear  under  ground,  in 
part  of  its  course,  finding  its  way  through  subterranean  chan- 
nels, till  it  again  appears  on  the  surface.  It  was  said  that  the 
Sicilian  fountain  Arethusa  was  the  same  stream,  which,  after 
passing  under  the  sea,  came  up  again  in  Sicily.  Hence  the 
story  ran  that  a  cup  thrown  into  the  Alpheus  appeared  again 
in  Arethusa.  It  is  this  fable  of  the  underground  course  of 
Alpheus  that  Coleridge  alludes  to  in  his  poem  of  Kubla  Khan :  — 

*'  In  Xanadu  did  Kubla  Khan 

A  stately  pleasure-dome  decree, 
Where  Alph,  the  sacred  river,  ran 
Through  caverns  measureless  to  man, 

Down  to  a  sunless  sea." 

In  one  of  Moore's  juvenile  jjoems  he  alludes  to  the  same 
story,  and  to  the  practice  of  throwing  garlands,  or  otlier  light 
objects,  on  the  stream  to  be  carried  downward  by  it,  and  after- 
wards thrown  out  when  the  river  comes  again  to  light. 

"  Oh,  my  beloved,  how  divinely  sweet 
Is  the  pui-e  joy  when  kindred  spirits  meet ! 
Like  him  the  river-god,  whose  waters  flow, 
With  love  their  only  light,  through  caves  below. 
Wafting  in  triumph  all  the  flowery  braids 
And  festal  rings,  with  which  Olympic  maids 
Have  decked  his  current,  as  an  offering  meet 
To  lay  at  Arethusa's  shining  feet. 
Think,  when  he  meets  at  last  his  fountain  bride. 
What  perfect  love  must  thrill  the  blended  tide ! 
Each  lost  in  each,  till  mingling  into  one. 
Their  lot  the  same  for  shadow  or  for  sun, 
A  type  of  true  love,  to  the  deep  they  run." 

1  A  name  for  Pluto. 


GLAUCUS    AND    SCYLLA.  71 

The  following  extract  from  Moore's  Rhymes  on  the  Road 
gives  an  account  of  a  celebrated  picture  by  Albano  at  Milan, 
called  a  Dance  of  Loves  :  — 

"  'Tis  for  the  theft  of  Enna's  flower  from  earth 
These  urcliins  celebrate  their  dauce  of  mirth, 
Kouud  the  rjreen  tree,  like  fays  upon  a  heath, — 
Those  that  are  nearest  linked  in  order  bright, 
Clieek  after  cheek,  like  rosebuds  in  a  wreath ; 
And  those  more  distant  showing  from  beneath 
The  others'  wings  their  little  eyes  of  light. 
While  see  !  among  the  clouds,  their  eldest  brother. 

But  just  flown  up,  tells  with  a  smile  of  bliss. 
This  prank  of  Pluto  to  his  charmed  mother. 
Who  turns  to  greet  the  tidings  with  a  kiss." 


Glaucus  and  Scylla. 

Glaucus  was  a  fisherman.  One  day  lie  had  drawn  his  nets 
to  land,  and  had  taken  a  great  many  fishes  of  various  kinds. 
So  he  emptied  his  net,  and  proceeded  to  sort  the  fishes  on  the 
grass.  The  place  where  he  stood  was  a  beautiful  island  in 
the  river,  a  solitary  spot,  uninhabited,  and  not  used  for  pas- 
turage of  cattle,  nor  ever  visited  by  any  but  himself.  On 
a  sudden,  the  fishes,  which  had  been  laid  on  the  grass,  began  to 
revive  and  move  their  fins  as  if  they  were  in  the  water; 
and  while  he  looked  on  astonished,  they  one  and  all  moved 
off  to  the  water,  plunged  in  and  swam  away.  He  did  not  know 
what  to  make  of  this,  whether  some  god  had  done  it,  or  some 
secret  power  in  the  herbage.  "What  herb  has  such  a  power?" 
he  exclaimed ;  and  gathering  some,  he  tasted  it.  Scarce  had 
the  juices  of  the  plant  reached  his  palate  when  he  found  him- 
self agitated  with  a  longing  desire  for  the  water.  He  could 
no  longer  restrain  himself,  but  bidding  farewell  to  earth,  he 
plunged  into  the  stream.  The  gods  of  the  water  received  him 
graciously,  and  admitted  him  to  the  honor  of  their  society. 
They  obtained  the  consent  of  Oceanus  and  Tethys,  the  sov- 
ereigns of  the  sea,  that  all  that  was  mortal  in  him  should  be 
washed  away.  A  hundred  rivers  poured  their  waters  over  him. 
Then  he  lost  all  sense  of  his  former  nature  and  all  conscious- 


72  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

ness.  When  he  recovered,  he  found  hhnself  changed  in  form 
and  mind.  His  hair  was  sea-green,  and  trailed  behind  him  on 
the  water;  his  shoukiers  grew  broad,  and  what  had  been 
thighs  and  legs  assumed  the  form  of  a  fish's  tail.  The  sea- 
gods  complimented  him  on  the  change  of  his  apj^earance,  and 
he  himself  was  pleased  with  his  looks. 

One  day  Glaucus  saw  the  beautiful  maiden  Scylla,  the 
favorite  of  the  water-nymphs,  rambling  on  the  shore,  and  when 
she  had  found  a  sheltered  nook,  laving  her  limbs  in  the  clear 
water.  He  fell  in  love  with  her,  and  shoAving  himself  on  the 
surface,  spoke  to  her,  saying  such  things  as  he  thought  most 
likely  to  win  her  to  stay ;  for  she  turned  to  run  immediately 
on  sight  of  him,  and  ran  till  she  had  gained  a  cliff  overlooking 
the  sea.  Here  she  stopped  and  turned  round  to  see  whether  it 
was  a  god  or  a  sea-animal,  and  observed  with  wonder  his  shape 
and  color.  Glaucus,  partly  emerging  from  the  water,  and  sup- 
porting himself  against  a  rock,  said,  "  Maiden,  I  am  no  mon- 
ster, nor  a  sea-animal,  but  a  god ;  and  neither  Proteus  nor 
Triton  ranks  higher  than  I.  Once  I  was  a  mortal,  and  followed 
the  sea  for  a  living;  but  now  I  belong  Avholly  to  it."  Then  he 
told  the  story  of  his  metamorphosis,  and  how  he  had  been  pro- 
moted to  his  present  dignity,  and  added,  "  But  what  avails  all 
this  if  it  fails  to  move  your  heart?"  He  was  going  on  in  this 
strain,  but  Scylla  turned  and  hastened  away. 

Glaucus  Avas  in  despair,  but  it  occurred  to  him  to  consult  the 
enchantress,  Circe.  Accordingly  he  repaired  to  her  island,  — 
the  same  where  afterwards  Ulysses  landed,  as  we  shall  see  in 
another  story.  After  mutual  salutations,  he  said,  "  Goddess,  I 
entreat  your  pity ;  you  alone  can  relieve  the  pain  I  suffer. 
The  power  of  herbs  I  know  as  well  as  any  one,  for  it  is  to  them 
I  owe  my  change  of  form.  I  love  Scylla.  I  am  ashamed  to 
tell  you  how  I  have  sued  and  pi-omised  to  her,  and  how  scorn- 
fully she  has  treated  me.  I  beseech  you  to  use  your  incan- 
tations, or  potent  herbs,  if  they  are  more  prevailing,  not  to  cure 
me  of  my  love,  —  for  that  I  do  not  wish,  —  but  to  make  her 
share  it  and  yield  me  a  like  return."  To  which  Circe  replied, 
"for  she  was  not  insensible  to  the  attractions  of  the  sea-green 
deity,   "  You   had   better   pursue   a   willing   object ;   you  are 


GLAUCUS    AND    SCYLLA.  73 

• 

worthy  to  be  sought,  instead  of  having  to  seek  in  vain.  Be  not 
diffident,  know  your  own  worth.  I  protest,  to  you  that  even  I, 
goddess  tliough  I  be,  and  learned  in  the  virtues  of  plants  and 
spells,  should  not  know  how  to  refuse  you.  If  she  scorns  you, 
scorn  her ;  meet  one  who  is  ready  to  meet  you  half  way,  and 
thus  make  a  due  return  to  both  at  once."^  To  these  words 
Glaucus  replied,  "  Sooner  shall  trees  grow  at  the  bottom  of  the 
ocean,  and  seaweed  on  the  top  of  the  mountains,  than  I  Avill 
cease  to  love  Scylla,  and  her  alone." 

The  goddess  was  indignant,  but  she  could  not  punish  him, 
neither  did  she  wish  to  do  so,  for  she  liked  him  too  well ;  so 
she  turned  all  her  wrath  against  her  rival,  poor  Scylla.  She 
took  plants  of  poisonous  powers  and  mixed  them  together,  with 
incantations  and  charms.  Then  she  passed  through  the  crowd 
of  gambolling  beasts,  the  victims  of  her  art,  and  proceeded  to 
the  coast  of  Sicily,  where  Scylla  lived.  There  was  a  little  bay 
on  the  shore  to  which  Scylla  used  to  resort,  in  the  heat  of  the 
day,  to  breathe  the  air  of  the  sea,  and  to  bathe  in  its  Avaters. 
Here  the  goddess  poured  her  poisonous  mixture,  and  muttered 
over  it  incantations  of  mighty  power.  Scylla  came  as  usual 
and  plunged  into  the  water  up  to  her  waist.  What  was  her 
horror  to  jDcrceive  a  brood  of  serpents  and  barking  monsters 
surrounding  her !  At  first  she  could  not  imagine  they  were 
a  part  of  herself,  and  tried  to  run  from  them,  and  to  drive  them 
away ;  but  as  she  ran  she  carried  them  with  her,  and  when  she 
tried  to  touch  her  limbs,  she  found  her  hands  touch  only 
the  yawning  jaws  of  monsters.  Scylla  remained  rooted  to  the 
spot.  Her  temper  grew  as  ugly  as  her  form,  and  she  took 
pleasure  in  devouring  hapless  mariners  who  came  within  her 
grasp.  Thus  she  destroyed  six  of  the  companions  of  Ulysses, 
and  tried  to  wa-eck  the  ships  of  ^neas,  till  at  last  she  was 
turned  into  a  rock,  and  as  such  still  continues  to  be  a  terror  to 
mariners. 

The  following  is  Glaucus's  account  of  his  feelings  after  liis 
"sea-change :" — 

"  I  plunged  for  life  or  death.    To  interknit 
One's  senses  with  so  dense  a  breathintr  stuff 
Might  seem  a  work  of  pain ;  so  not  enough 


74  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

Can  I  admire  how  crystal-smooth  it  felt, 

And  buoyant  round  my  limbs.     At  first  I  dwelt 

Whole  days  and  days  in  sheer  astonishment ; 

Forgetful  utterly  of  self-intcut, 

Moving  but  with  the  mighty  ebb  and  flow. 

Then  like  a  new-fledged  bird  that  first  doth  show 

His  spreaded  feathers  to  the  morrow  chill, 

I  tried  in  fear  the  pinions  of  my  will. 

'Twas  freedom  !  and  at  once  I  visited 

The  ceaseless  wonders  of  this  ocean-bed." 

Keats, 


CHAPTER  V. 


PYGMALION.  —  DRYOPE.  —  VENUS    AND    ADONIS.  —  APOLLO 
AND    HYACINTHUS.— CEYX   AND   HALCYONE. 

PYGMALION"  saw  so  much  to  blame  in  women  that  he 
came  at  last  to  abhor  the  sex,  and  resolved  to  live  unmar- 
ried. He  was  a  sculptor,  and  had  made  with  wonderful  skill 
a  statue  of  ivory,  so  beautiful  that  no  living  woman  could  be 
comi^ared  to  it  in  beauty.  It  was  indeed  the  perfect  semblance 
of  a  maiden  that  seemed  to  be  alive,  and  only  prevented  from 
moving  by  modesty.  His  art  was  so  perfect  that  it  concealed 
itself,  and  its  product  looked  like  the  workmanship  of  nature. 
Pygmalion  admired  his  own  work,  and  at  last  fell  in  love  with 
the  counterfeit  creation.  Oftentimes  he  laid  his  hand  upon  it, 
as  if  to  assure  himself  whether  it  were  living  or  not,  and  could 
not  even  then  believe  that  it  was  only  ivory.  He  caressed  it, 
and  gave  it  presents  such  as  young  girls  love,  —  bright  shells 
and  polished  stones,  little  birds  and  flowers  of  various  hues, 
beads  and  amber.  He  put  raiment  on  its  limbs,  and  jewels  on 
its  fingers,  and  a  necklace  about  its  neck.  To  the  ears  he  hung 
ear-rings,  and  strings  of  pearls  upon  the  breast.  Her  dress 
became  her,  and  she  looked  not  less  charming  than  when  unat- 
tired.     He  laid  her  on  a  couch  spread  with  cloths  of  Tyrian 

(75) 


76  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

dye,  and  called  her  his  wife,  and  put  her  head  upon  a  pillow  of 
the  softest  feathers,  as  if  she  could  enjoy  their  softness. 

The  festival  of  Venus  was  at  hand, —  a  festival  celebrated 
with  great  pomp  at  Cyprus.  Victims  were  offered,  the  altars 
smoked,  and  the  odor  of  incense  filled  the  air.  When  Pyg- 
malion had  performed  his  part  in  the  solemnities,  he  stood 
before  the  altar  and  timidly  said,  "Ye  gods,  who  can  do  all 
things,  give  me,  I  pray  you,  for  my  wife  "  —  he  dared  not  say 
"  my  ivory  virgin,"  but  said  instead  —  "  one  like  my  ivory  vir- 
gin." Venus,  who  was  jDresent  at  the  festival,  heard  him  and 
knew  the  thought  he  would  have  uttered ;  and,  as  an  omen  of 
her  favor,  caused  the  flame  on  the  altar  to  shoot  up  thrice  in  a 
fiery  point  into  the  air.  When  he  returned  home,  he  went  to 
see  his  statue,  and,  learning  over  the  couch,  gave  a  kiss  to  the 
mouth.  It  seemed  to  be  warm.  He  pressed  its  lips  again,  he 
laid  his  hand  upon  the  limbs ;  the  ivory  felt  soft  to  liis  touch, 
and  yielded  to  his  fingers  like  the  wax  of  Hymettus.  While 
he  stands  astonished  and  glad,  though  doubting,  and  fears  he 
may  be  mistaken,  again  and  again  with  a  lover's  ardor  he 
touches  the  object  of  his  hopes.  It  was  indeed  alive !  The 
veins  when  pressed  yielded  to  the  finger  and  then  resumed 
their  roundness.  Then  at  last  the  votary  of  Venus  found 
words  to  thank  the  goddess,  and  pressed  his  lips  upon  lips  as 
real  as  his  own.  The  virgin  felt  the  kisses  and  blushed,  and, 
opening  her  timid  eyes  to  the  light,  fixed  them  at  the  same 
moment  on  her  lover.  ■  Venus  blessed  the  nuptials  she  had 
formed,  and  from  this  union  Paphos  was  born,  from  Avhom  the 
city,  sacred  to  Venus,  received  its  name. 

Schiller,  in  his  poem,  the  Ideals,  applies  this  tale  of  Pyg- 
malion  to  the  love  of  nature  in  a  youthful  heart.  In  Schiller's 
version,  as  in  William  Morris's,  the  statue  is  of  marble. 

"  As  once  with  prayei-s  in  passion  flowing, 

Pygmalion  embraced  tlie  stone, 
Till  from  the  frozen  marble  glowing, 

The  light  of  feeling  o'er  him  shone, 
So  did  I  clasp  with  young  devotion 

Bright  Nature  to  a  poet's  heart ; 
Till  breath  and  warmth  and  vital  motion 

Seemed  through  the  statue  form  to  dart. 


DEYOPE.  i i 

"And  then  in  all  m}'  ardor  sliaring, 
The  silent  form  expression  found; 
Returned  my  kiss  of  youthful  daring, 

And  understood  my  heart's  quick  sound. 
Then  lived  for  nie  tli3  bright  creation, 

The  silver  rill  with  song  was  rife  ; 
The  trees,  the  roses  shared  sensation, 
An  echo  of  my  boundless  life." 

Rev.  S.  G.  Bulfinch  (brother  of  the  author). 

Morris  tells  the  story  of  Pygmalion  and  the  Image  in  some  of 
tlie  most  beautiful  verses  of  the  Earthly  Paradise. 

This  is  Galatea's  description  of  her  metamorphosis  :  — 

"  '  My  sweet,'  she  said,  '  as  yet  I  am  not  wise. 
Or  stored  with  words  aright  the  tale  to  tell, 
But  listen  :  when  I  opened  first  mine  eyes 
1  stood  within  the  niche  thou  knowest  well. 
And  from  my  hand  a  heavy  thing  there  fell  • 

Carved  like  these  flowers,  nor  could  I  see  things  clear, 
But  with  a  strange  confused  noise  could  hear. 

" '  At  last  mine  eyes  could  see  a  woman  fair. 
But  awfid  as  this  round  white  moon  o'erhead. 
So  that  I  trembled  when  1  saw  her  there. 
For  with  my  life  was  born  some  touch  of  dread. 
And  therewithal  1  heard  her  voice  that  said, 
"  Come  down  and  learn  to  love  and  be  alive, 
For  thee,  a  well-prized  gift,  to-day  I  give."'" 


Dryope. 

Dryope  and  lole  were  sisters.  The  former  was  the  wife  of 
Andraemon,  beloved  by  her  husband,  and  happy  in  the  birth  of 
her  fii'st  child.  One  day  the  sisters  strolled  to  the  bank  of  a 
stream  that  sloped  gradually  down  to  the  water's  edge,  while 
the  upland  was  overgrown  with  myrtles.  They  were  intending 
to  gather  flowers  for  forming  garlands  for  the  altars  of  the 
nymphs,  and  Dryope  carried  her  child  at  her  bosom,  a  precious 
burden,  and  nursed  him  as  she  walked.  Near  the  Avater  grew  a 
lotus  plant,  full  of  purple  flowers.  Dryope  gathered  some  and 
offered  them  to  the  baby,  and  lole  was  about  to  do  the  same, 
when  she  perceived  blood  dropping  from  the  places  where  her 
sister  had  broken  them  off  the  stem.     The  plant  was  no  other 


78  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

than  the  Nymph  Lotis,  who,  running  from  a  base  pursuer,  had 
been  changed  into  this  form.  This  they  learned  from  the 
country  people  when  it  was  too  late. 

Dryope,  horror-struck  when  she  perceived  what  she  had 
done,  would  gladly  have  hastened  from  the  spot,  but  found 
her  feet  rooted  to  the  ground.  She  tried  to  pull  them  away, 
but  moved  nothing  but  her  arms.  The  woodiness  crept 
ujiward,  and  by  degrees  invested  her  body.  In  anguish  she 
attempted  to  tear  her  hair,  but  found  her  liands  filled  with 
leaves.  The  infant  felt  his  mother's  bosom  begin  to  harden, 
and  the  milk  cease  to  flow.  lole  looked  on  at  the  sad  fate  of 
her  sister,  and  could  render  no  assistance.  She  embraced  the 
growing  trunk,  as  if  she  would  hold  back  the  advancing  wood, 
and  would  gladly  have  been  enveloped  in  the  same  bark.  At 
this  moment  Andraemon,  the  husband  of  Dryope,  with  her 
father,  approached ;  and  when  they  asked  for  Dryope,  lole 
pointed  them  to  the  new-formed  lotus.  They  embraced  the 
trunk  of  the  yet  warm  tree,  and  showered  their  kisses  on  its 
leaves. 

Now  there  was  nothing  left  of  Dryope  but  her  face.  Her 
tears  still  flowed  and  fell  on  her  leaves,  and  while  she  could 
she  spoke.  "I  am  not  guilty.  I  deserve  not  this  fate.  I  have 
injured  no  one.  If  I  speak  falsely,  may  my  foliage  perish  with 
drought  and  my  trunk  be  cut  down  and  burned.  Take  this 
infant  and  give  him  to  a  nurse.  Let  him  often  be  brought  and 
nursed  imder  my  branches,  and  play  in  my  shade ;  and  when 
he  is  old  enough  to  talk,  let  him  be  taught  to  call  me  mother, 
and  to  say  with  sadness,  'My  mother  lies  hid  under  this  bark.' 
But  bid  him  be  careful  of  river  banks,  and  beware  how  he 
plucks  flowers,  remembering  that  every  bush  he  sees  may  be  a 
goddess  in  disguise.  Farewell,  dear  husband,  and  sister,  and 
father.  If  you  retain  any  love  for  me,  let  not  the  axe  wound 
me,  nor  the  flocks  bite  and  tear  my  branches.  Since  I  cannot 
stoop  to  you,  climb  up  hither  and  kiss  me ;  and  while  my  lips 
continue  to  feel,  lift  up  my  child  that  I  may  kiss  him.  I  can 
speak  no  more,  for  already  the  bark  advances  up  my  neck,  and 
will  soon  shoot  over  me.  You  need  not  close  my  eyes ;  the 
bark  will  close  them  without  your  aid."     Then  the  lips  ceased 


VENUS    AND    ADONIS.  79 

to  move,  and  life  was  extinct ;  but  the  branches  retained  for 
some  time  longer  the  vital  heat. 

Keats,  in  Endymion,  alludes  to  Dryope  thus  :  — 

"  She  took  a  lute  from  which  there  pulsing  came 
A  lively  prelude,  fashioning  the  way 
In  which  lier  voice  should  Avaniler.    'Twas  a  lay 
More  subtle-cadcnced,  more  forest-wild 
Than  Dryope's  lone  lulling  of  her  child." 


Vexus  axd  Adonis. 

Venus,  playing  one  day  with  her  boy  Cupid,  wounded  her 
bosom  with  one  of  his  arrows.  She  pushed  him  away,  but  the 
wound  was  deeper  than  she  thought.  Before  it  healed  she 
beheld  Adonis,  and  was  cajstivated  with  him.  She  no  longer 
took  any  interest  in  her  favorite  resorts,  —  Paphos,  and  Cnidos, 
and  Amathos,  rich  in  metals.  She  absented  herself  even  from 
Olympus,  for  Adonis  was  dearer  to  her  than  heaven.  Him  she 
followed  and  bore  him  company.  She  who  used  to  love  to 
recline  in  the  shade,  Avith  no  care  but  to  cultivate  her  charms, 
now  rambled  through  the  woods  and  over  the  hills,  dressed 
like  the  huntress  Diana.  She  called  her  dogs,  and  chased 
hares  and  stags,  or  other  game  that  it  is  safe  to  hunt,  but  kept 
clear  of  the  wolves  and  bears,  reeking  with  the  slaughter  of  the 
herd.  She  charged  Adonis,  too,  to  beware  of  such  dangerous 
animals.  "  Be  brave  towards  the  timid,"  said  she  ;  "  courage 
against  the  courageous  is  not  safe.  Beware  how  you  expose 
yourself  to  danger,  and  put  my  happiness  to  risk.  Attack  not 
the  beasts  that  Nature  has  armed  with  weapons.  I  do  not 
value  your  glory  so  highly  as  to  consent  to  purchase  it  by  sucli 
exposure.  Your  youth,  and  the  beauty  that  charms  Venus, 
will  not  touch  the  hearts  of  lions  and  bristly  boars.  Think  of 
their  terrible  claws  and  prodigious  strength  !  I  hate  the  whole 
race  of  them.  Do  you  ask  why?"  Then  she  told  him  the 
story  of  Atalanta  and  Hippomenes,  who  were  changed  into 
lions  for  their  ingratitude  to  her. 

Having  given  him  this  warning,  she  mounted  her  chariot 


80 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


drawn  by  swans,  and  drove  away  through  the  air.  But  Adonis 
was  too  noble  to  heed  such  counsels.  The  dogs  had  roused  a 
wild  boar  from  his  lair,  and^  the  youth  threw  his  spear  and 
wounded  the  anirnal  with  a  sidelong  stroke.  The  beast  drew 
out  the  weapon  with  his  jaws,  and  rushed  after  Adonis,  who 
turned  and  ran;  but  the  boar  overtook  him,  and   buried  his 

tusks  in  his  side,  and 
stretched  him  dying  upon 
the  jjlain. 

Venus,  in  her  swan- 
drawn  chariot,  had  not 
yet  reached  Cyprus, 
when  she  heard  coming 
up  through  mid  air  the 
groans  of  her  beloved, 
and  turned  her  wdiite- 
winged  coursers  back  to 
earth.  As  she  drew  near 
and  saw  from  on  high 
his  lifeless  body  bathed 
in  blood,  she  alighted, 
and  bending  over  it  beat 
her  breast  and  tore  her 
hair.  Reproaching  the 
Fates,  she  said,  "Yet  theirs  shall  be  but  a  partial  triumph; 
memorials  of  my  grief  shall  endure,  and  the  spectacle  of  your 
•death,  my  Adonis,  and  of  my  lamentation  shall  be  annually 
renewed.  Your  blood  shall  be  changed  into  a  flower;  that 
consolation  none  can  envy  me."  Thus  speaking,  she  sprinkled 
nectar  on  the  blood ;  and  as  they  mingled,  bubbles  rose  as  in 
a  pool  on  which  raindrops  fall,  and  in  an  hour's  time  there 
sprang  up  a  flower  of  bloody  hue  like  that  of  the  pomegranate. 
But  it  is  short-lived.  It  is  said  the  Avind  blows  the  blossoms 
open,  and  afterwards  blows  the  petals  away;  so  it  is  called 
Anemone,  or  "Wind  Flower,  from  the  cause  which  assists 
equally  in  its  production  and  its  decay.^ 

'  The  European  anemones,  as  anemone  raiiunculoides  and  anemoiie  pavonina, 
aie  scarlet  or  purple. 


VENUS   AKD  ADONIS. 


APOLLO    AND    HYACINTHUS.  81 

Milton  alludes  to  the  story  of  Venus  and  Adonis  in   his 
Comus :  — 

"  Beds  of  hyacinth  and  roses 
Where  young'  Adonis  oft  reposes, 
Waxin;^  well  of  his  deep  wound 
In  sluml)cr  soft,  and  on  the  ground 
Sadly  sits  th'  Assyrian  queen." 

And  Morris  also  in  Atalanta's  Race :  — 

"There  by  his  horn  the  Dryads  well  mij^ht  know 
His  thrust  against  the  bear's  heart  had  been  true, 
And  there  Adonis  bane  his  javelin  slew." 


Apollo  and  Hyacixthus. 

Apollo  was  passionately  fond  of  a  youth  named  Hyacinthus. 
Pie  accompanied  him  in  his  sports,  carried  the  nets  when  he 
went  fishing,  led  the  dogs  when  he  went  to  hunt,  followed  him 
in  his  excursions  in  the  mountains,  and  neglected  for  him  his 
lyre  and  his  arrows.  One  day  they  played  a  game  of  quoits 
together,  and  Apollo,  heaving  aloft  the  discus,  with  strength 
mingled  with  skill,  sent  it  high  and  far.  Hyacinthus  watched 
it  as  it  flew,  and  excited  Avith  the  sport  ran  forward  to  seize  it, 
eager  to  make  his  throw,  when  the  quoit  bounded  from  the 
earth  and  struck  him  in  the  forehead.  He  fainted  and  fell. 
The  god,  as  pale  as  himself,  raised  him  and  tried  all  his  art  to 
stanch  the  wound  and  retain  the  flitting  life,  but  all  in  vain  ; 
the  hurt  was  past  the  power  of  medicine.  As,  when  one  as 
broken  the  stem  of  a  lily  in  the  garden,  it  hangs  its  head  and. 
turns  its  flowers  to  the  earth,  so  the  head  of  the  dying  boy,  as 
if  too  heavy  for  his  neck,  fell  over  on  his  shoulder.  "Thou 
diest,  Hyacinth,"  so  spoke  Phoebus,  "  robbed  of  thy  youth  by 
me.  Thine  is  the  suffering,  mine  the  crime.  Would  that  I 
could  die  for  thee !  But  since  that  may  not  be,  thou  shalt  live 
with  me  in  memory  and  in  song.  My  lyre  shall  celebrate  thee, 
my  song  shall  tell  thy  fate,  and  thou  shalt  become  a  flower 
inscribed  with  my  regrets."  While  Apollo  spoke,  behold  the 
blood  which  had  flowed  on  the  ground  and  stained  the  herb- 
age, ceased  to  be  blood  ;  but  a  flower  of  hue  more  beautiful 
than  the  Tyrian  sprang  up,  resembling  the  lily,  if  it  were  not 


82 


STORIES    OF   GODS    AND    HEROES. 


that  this  is  purple  and  that  silvery  white. ^  And  this  was  not 
enough  for  Phoebus ;  but  to  confer  still  greater  honor,  he 
marked  the  petals  with  his  sorrow,  and  inscribed  "  Ah  !  ah !  " 
upon  them,  as  we  see  to  this  day.  The  flower  bears  the  name 
of  Hyacinthus,  and  with  every  returning  spring  revives  the 
memory  of  his  fate. 


It  was  said  that  Zephyrus  (the  West-wind),  who  Avas  also 
fond  of  Hyacinthus  and  jealous  of  his  preference  of  Apollo, 
blew  the  quoit  out  of  its  course  to  make  it  strike  Hyacinthus. 
Keats  alludes  to  this  in  his  Endymion,  where  he  describes  the 
lookers-on  at  the  game  of  quoits :  — 

1  It  is  cvidcntl_7  not  our  modern  hyacinth  that  is  here  described.  It  is  perhaps 
some  species  of  iris,  or  perhaps  of  hirkspur,  or  of  pansy. 


CEYX    AND    H ALCYONE.  83 

"  Or  they  might  watch  the  quoit-pitchers,  iatent 

On  either  side,  pitying  the  sad  death 

Of  Hyacinthus,  when  the  cruel  breath 
Of  Zephyr  slew  him ;  Zephyr  penitent, 
Wlio  now  ere  Phoebus  mounts  the  firmament, 

Fondles  the  flower  amid  the  sobbing  rain." 

An  allusion  to  Hyacinthus  will  also  be  recognized  in  Milton's 
Lycidas :  — 

"Like  to  that  sanguine  flower  inscribed  with  woe." 


Ceyx  and  Halcyone  :  or,  the  Halcyon  Birds. 

Ceyx  was  King  of  Thessaly,  where  he  reigned  in  peace, 
without  violence  or  wrong.  He  was  son  of  Hesperus,  the  Day- 
star,  and  the  glow  of  his  beauty  reminded  one  of  his  father. 
Halcyone,  the  daughter  of  ^olus,  was  his  wife,  and  devotedly 
attached  to  him.  Now  Ceyx  was  in  deep  affliction  for  the  loss 
of  his  brother,  and  direful  prodigies  following  his  brother's 
death  made  him  feel  as  if  the  gods  Avere  hostile  to  him.  He 
thought  best  therefore  to  make  a  voyage  to  Claros  in  Ionia,  to 
consult  the  oracle  of  Apollo.  But  as  soon  as  he  disclosed  his 
intention  to  his  wife  Halcyone,  a  shudder  ran  through  her 
frame,  and  her  face  grew  deadly  pale.  "  What  fault  of  mine, 
dearest  husband,  has  turned  your  affection  from  me  ?  Where 
is  that  love  of  me  that  used  to  be  uppermost  in  your  thoughts  ? 
Have  you  leai-ned  to  feel  easy  in  the  absence  of  Halcyone? 
Would  you  rather  have  me  away?"  She  also  endeavored  to 
discourage  him,  by  describing  the  violence  of  the  winds,  which 
she  had  known  familiarly  when  she  lived  at  home  in  her  fa- 
ther's house,  iEolus  being  the  god  of  the  winds,  and  having  as 
much  as  he  could  do  to  restrain  them.  "  They  rush  together," 
said  she,  "  with  such  fury  that  fire  flashes  from  the  conflict. 
But  if  you  must  go,"  she  added,  "  dear  husband,  let  me  go 
with  you,  otherwise  I  shall  suffer,  not  only  the  real  evils  wdiich 
you  must  encounter,  but  those  also  which  my  fears  siTggest." 

These  words  weighed  heavily  on  the  mind  of  King  Ceyx, 
and  it  was  no  less  his  owm  wish  than  hers  to  take  her  with  him, 
but  he  could  not  bear  to  expose  her  to  the  dangers  of  the  sea. 


84  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

He  answered,  therefore,  consoling  her  as  well  as  he  could,  and 
finished  with  these  words  :  "  I  promise,  by  the  rays  of  my 
father  the  Day-star,  that  if  fate  permits  I  will  return  before 
the  moon  shall  have  twice  rounded  her  orb,"  When  he  had 
thus  spoken  he  ordered  the  vessel  to  be  drawn  out  of  the 
ship-house,  and  the  oars  and  sails  to  be  put  aboard.  When 
Halcyone  saw  these  preparations  she  shuddered,  as  if  with  a 
presentiment  of  evil.  With  tears  and  sobs  she  said  farewell, 
and  then  fell  senseless  to  the  ground. 

Ceyx  would  still  have  lingered,  but  now  the  young  men 
grasped  their  oars  and  pulled  vigorously  through  the  waves, 
with  long  and  measured  strokes.  Halcyone  raised  her  stream- 
ing eyes,  and  saw  her  husband  standing  on  the  deck,  waving 
his  hand  to  her.  She  answered  his  signal  till  the  vessel  had 
receded  so  far  that  she  could  no  longer  distinguish  his  form 
from  the  rest.  When  the  vessel  itself  could  no  more  be  seen, 
she  strained  her  eyes  to  catch  the  last  glimmer  of  the  sail,  till 
that  too  disappeared.  Then,  retiring  to  her  chamber,  she  threw 
herself  on  her  solitary  coucli. 

Meanwhile  they  glide  out  of  the  harbor,  and  the  breeze  plays 
among  the  ropes.  The  seamen  draw  in  their  oars,  and  hoist 
their  sails.  When  half  or  less  of  their  course  was  passed,  as 
night  drew  on,  the  sea  began  to  whiten  with  swelling  waves, 
and  the  east  wund  to  blow  a  gale.  The  master  gives  the  word 
to  take  in  sail,  but  the  storm  forbids  obedience,  for  such  is  the 
roar  of  the  Avinds  and  waves  that  his  orders  are  unheard.  The 
men,  of  their  own  accord,  busy  themselves  to  secure  the  oars, 
to  strengthen  the  ship,  to  reef  the  sail.  While  they  thus  do 
what  to  each  one  seems  best,  the  storm  increases.  The  shout- 
ing of  the  men,  the  rattling  of  the  shrouds,  and  the  dashing  of 
the  waves,  mingle  with  the  roar  of  the  thunder. ,  The  swelling 
sea  seems  lifted  up  to  the  heavens,  to  scatter  its  foam  among 
the  clouds ;  then  sinking  away  to  the  bottom  assumes  the  color 
of  the  shoal,  —  a  Stygian  blackness. 

The  vessel  obeys  all  these  changes.  It  seems  like  a  wild 
beast  that  rushes  on  the  spears  of  the  hunters.  Rain  falls  in 
torrents,  as  if  the  skies  were  coming  down  to  unite  with  the 
sea.     When  the  lightning  ceases  for  a  moment,  the  niglit  seems 


CEYX    AND    H ALCYONE.  85 

to  add  its  own  darkness  to  that  of  the  storm  ;  then  conies  the 
flash,  rending  the  darkness  asundei-,  and  lighting  up  all  with  a 
glare.  Skill  fails,  courage  sinks,  and  death  seems  to  come  on 
every  wave.  Tlie  men  are  stupefied  with  terror.  The  thought 
of  parents,  and  kindred,  and  pledges  left  at  home,  comes  over 
their  minds.  Ceyx  thinks  of  ITalcyone.  No  name  but  hers  is 
on  his  lips,  and  while  he  yearns  for  her,  he  yet  rejoices  in  her 
absence.  Presently  the  mast  is  shattered  by  a  stroke  of  light- 
ning, the  rudder  broken,  and  the  triumphant  surge  curling  over 
looks  down  upon  the  wreck,  then  falls,  and  crushes  it  to  frag- 
ments. Some  of  the  seamen,  stunned  by  the  stroke,  sink,  and 
rise  no  more ;  others  cling  to  fragments  of  the  wreck.  Ceyx, 
with  the  hand  that  used  to  grasp  the  scej^tre,  holds  fast  to  a 
plank,  calling  for  help,  —  alas,  in  vain,  —  upon  his  father  and 
his  father-in-law.  But  oftenest  on  his  lips  was  the  name  of 
Halcyone.  His  thoughts  cling  to  her.  He  prays  that  the 
waves  may  bear  his  body  to  her  sight,  and  that  it  may  i-eceive 
burial  at  her  hands.  At  length  the  waters  overwhelm  him, 
and  he  sinks.  The  Day-star  looked  dim  that  night.  Since  it 
could  not  leave  the  heavens,  it  shrouded  its  face  Avith  clouds. 

In  the  mean  while  Halcyone,  ignorant  of  all  these  horrors, 
counted  the  days  till  her  husband's  promised  return.  Now 
she  gets  ready  the  garments  which  he  shall  put  on,  and  now 
what  she  shall  wear  when  he  arrives.  To  all  the  gods  she 
offers  frequent  incense,  but  more  than  all  to  Juno.  For  her 
husband,  who  was  no  more,  she  prayed  incessantly;  that  he 
might  be  safe ;  that  he  might  come  home ;  that  he  might  not, 
in  his  absence,  see  any  one  that  he  would  love  better  than  her. 
But  of  all  these  prayers,  the  last  was  the  only  one  destined  to 
be  granted.  The  goddess,  at  length,  could  not  bear  any  longer 
to  be  pleaded  with  for  one  already  dead,  and  to  have  hands 
raised  to  her  altars,  that  ought  rather  to  be  offering  funeral 
rites.  So,  calling  Iris,  she  said,  "  Iris,  my  faithful  messenger, 
go  to  the  drowsy  dwelling  of  Somnus,  and  tell  him  to  send  a 
vision  to  Halcyone,  in  the  form  of  Ceyx,  to  make  known  to  her 
the  event." 

Iris  puts  on  her  robe  of  many  colors,  and  tingeing  the  sky 
with  her  bow,  seeks  the  palace  of  the  King  of  Sleep.     Near 


86  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

the  Cimmerian  country,  a  mountain  cave  is  the  abode  of  the 
dull  god,  Somnus.  Here  Phoebus  dares  not  come,  either  rising, 
or  at  midday,  or  setting.  Clouds  and  shadows  are  exhaled  from 
the  ground,  and  the  light  glimmers  faintly.  The  bird  of  davv^n, 
with  crested  head,  never  calls  aloud  there  to  Aurora,  nor  watch- 
ful dog,  nor  more  sagacious  goose  disturbs  the  silence.^  No 
wild  beast,  nor  cattle,  nor  branch  moved  with  the  wind,  nor 
sound  of  human  conversation,  breaks  the  stillness.  Silence 
reigns  there ;  and  from  the  bottom  of  the  rock  the  River  Lethe 
flows,  and  by  its  murmur  invites  to  sleep.  Poppies  grow 
abundantly  before  the  door  of  the  cave,  and  other  herbs,  from 
whose  juices  Night  collects  slumbers,  which  she  scatters  over 
the  darkened  earth.  There  is  no  gate  to  the  mansion,  to  creak 
on  its  hinges,  nor  any  watchman  ;  but  in  the  midst,  a  couch  of 
black  ebony,  adorned  with  black  plumes  and  black  curtains. 
There  the  god  reclines,  his  limbs  relaxed  with  sleep.  Around 
him  lie  dreams,  resembling  all  various  forms,  as  many  as  the 
harvest  bears  stalks,  or  the  forest  leaves,  or  the  seashore  grains 
of  sand. 

As  soon  as  the  goddess  entered  and  brushed  away  the  dreams 
that  hovered  around  her,  her  brightness  lit  up  all  the  cave. 
The  god,  scarce  opening  his  eyes,  and  ever  and  anon  dropping 
his  beard  upon  his  breast,  at  last  shook  himself  free  from  him- 
self, and  leaning  on  his  arm,  inquired  her  errand,  —  for  he 
knew  who  she  was.  She  answered,  "  Somnus,  gentlest  of  the 
gods,  tranquillizer  of  minds  and  soother  of  careworn  hearts, 
Juno  sends  you  her  commands  that  you  dispatch  a  dream  to 
Halcyone,  in  the  city  of  Trachinae,  representing  her  lost  hus- 
band and  all  the  events  of  the  wreck." 

Having  delivered  her  message.  Iris  hasted  aAvny,  for  she 
could  not  longer  endure  the  stagnant  air,  and  as  she  felt  drow- 
siness creeping  over  her,  she  made  her  escape,  and  returned  by 
her  bow  the  way  she  came.  Then  Somnus  called  one  of  his 
numerous  sons, —  Morpheus, —  the  most  expert  at  counterfeit- 
ing forms,  and  in  imitating  the  walk,  the  countenance,  and 
mode  of  speaking,  even  the  clothes  and  attitudes  most  charac- 

'  This  comparison  of  the  dog  and  the  goose  is  a  reference  by  Ovid  to  a  passage 
in  Roman  liistory. 


CEYX    AND    HALCYOXE.  87 

teristic  of  each.  But  he  only  imitates  men,  leaving  it  to 
another  to  personate  birds,  beasts,  and  serpents.  Him  they 
call  leelos ;  and  Phantasos  is  a  third,  who  turns  himself  into 
rocks,  waters,  woods,  and  other  things  without  life.  These 
wait  upon  kings  and  great  personages  in  their  sleeping  hours, 
while  others  move  among  the  common  i)eople.  Somnus  chose, 
from  all  the  brothei's,  Morpheus,  to  perform  the  command  of 
Iris ;  then  laid  his  head  on  his  pillow  and  yielded  himself  to 
grateful  repose. 

Morpheus  flew,  making  no  noise  with  his  Avings,  and  soon 
came  to  the  Ilaemonian  city,  where,  laymg  aside  his  wings,  he 
assumed  the  form  of  Ceyx.  Under  that  form,  but  pale  like  a 
dead  man,  naked,  he  stood  before  the  couch  of  the  wretched 
Avife,  His  beard  seemed  soaked  v/ith  water,  and  water  trickled 
from  his  drowned  locks.  Leaning  over  the  bed,  tears  stream 
ing  from  his  eyes,  he  said,  "Do  you  recognize  your  Ceyx, 
unhappy  wife,  or  has  death  too  much  changed  my  visage? 
Behold  me,  know  me,  your  husband's  shade,  instead  of  himself. 
Your  prayers,  Halcyone,  availed  me  nothing.  I  am  dead.  No 
more  deceive  yourself  Avith  vain  hopes  of  my  return.  The 
stormy  Avinds  sunk  my  ship  in  the  ^gean  Sea;  Avaves  filled  my 
mouth  Avhile  it  called  aloud  on  you.  No  uncertain  messenger 
tells  you  this,  no  vague  rumor  brings  it  to  your  ears.  I  come 
in  person,  a  shipwrecked  man,  to  tell  you  my  fate.  ArisQ,! 
giA'e  me  tears,  give  me  lamentations,  let  me  not  go  down  to 
Tartarus  unwept."  To  these  Avords  Morpheus  added  the 
voice  Avhich  seemed  to  be  tliat  of  her  husband ;  he  seemed 
to  ])0ur  forth  genuine  tears ;  his  hands  had  the  gestures  of 
Ceyx. 

Halcyone,  Aveeping,  groaned,  and  stretched  out  her  arms  in 
her  sleep,  striving  to  embrace  his  body,  but  grasping  only  the 
air.  "Stay!"  she  cried;  "Avhither  do  you  fly?  Let  us  go 
together."  Her  own  voice  awakened  her.  Starting  up,  she 
gazed  eagerly  around,  to  see  if  he  Avas  still  present,  for  the 
servants,  alarmed  by  her  cries,  had  brought  a  light.  When 
she  found  him  not,  she  smote  her  breast  and  rent  her  garments. 
She  cares  not  to  unbind  her  hair,  but  tears  it  Avildly.  Her 
nurse  asks  Avhat  is  the  cause  of  her  grief.     "Halcyone  is  no 


88  STORIES    OF    GODS    AXD    HEROES. 

more,"  she  answers  ;  "  slic  perished  witli  her  Ceyx.  T^'tter  not 
words  of  comfort,  he  is  shipwrecked  and  dead.  I  have  seen  him. 
I  have  recognized  him.  I  stretched  out  my  hands  to  seize 
him  and  detain  him.  His  shade  vanished,  but  it  was  the  true 
shade  of  my  husband.  Not  with  the  accustomed  features,  not 
with  the  beauty  that  was  his,  but  pale,  naked,  and  with  his  hair 
wet  with  sea-Avater,  he  appeared  to  wretched  me.  Here,  in  tliis 
very  spot,  the  sad  vision  stood,"  —  and  she  looked  to  find  the 
mark  of  his  footsteps.  "This  it  was,  this  that  my  presaging 
mind  foreboded,  when  I  imi)lored  him  not  to  leave  me  to  trust 
himself  to  the  waves.  O,  how  I  wish,  since  thou  wouldst  go, 
that  thou  hadst  taken  me  with  thee !  It  would  have  been  far 
better.  Then  I  should  have  had  no  remnant  of  life  to  spend 
without  tliee,  nor  a  separate  death  to  die.  If  I  could  bear  to 
live  and  struggle  to  endure,  T  should  be  more  cruel  to  myself 
than  the  sea  has  been  to  me.  But  I  will  not  struggle.  I  will 
not  be  separated  from  thee,  unhappy  husband.  This  time,  at 
least,  I  will  keep  thee  company.  In  death,  if  one  tomb  may  not 
include  us,  one  epitaph  shall ;  if  I  may  not  lay  my  ashes  with 
thine,  my  name,  at  least,  shall  not  be  separated."  Her  grief 
forbade  more  Avords,  and  these  were  broken  Avith  tears  and 
sobs. 

It  Avas  now  morning.  Slie  Avent  to  the  s.ea-shore,  and  sought 
the  spot  Avhere  she  last  saw  him,  on  his  departure.  "  Here  he 
lingered  and  cast  off  his  tacklings  and  gave  me  his  last  kiss." 
While  she  revicAvs  every  moment,  and  strives  to  recall  every 
incident,  looking  out  over  the  sea,  she  descries  an  indistinct 
object  floating  in  the  Avater.  At  first  she  Avas  in  doubt  Avhat  it 
Avas,  but  by  degrees  the  Avaves  boi-e  it  nearer,  and  it  Avas  plainly 
the  body  of  a  man.  Though  x;nknoAving  of  Avhom,  yet,  as  it 
Avas  of  some  shipAvrecked  one,  she  Avas  deeply  moA-ed,  and  gave 
it  her  tears,  saying,  "  Alas !  unhappy  one,  and  unhappy,  if  such 
there  be,  thy  Avife  ! "  Borne  by  the  Avaves,  it  came  nearer. 
As  she  more  and  more  nearly  vicAvs  it,  she  trembles  more  and 
more.  Noav,  noAV  it  approaches  the  shore.  Noav  marks  that 
she  recognizes  appear.  It  is  her  husband !  Stretching  out  her 
trembling  hands  toAvards  it,  she  exclaims,  "  O,  dearest  husband, 
is  it  thus  you  return  to  me  ?  " 


CEYX    AND    HALCYONE.  89 

Thei'e  was  built  out  from  the  shore  a  mole,  constructed  to 
break  the  assaults  of  the  sea,  and  stem  its  violent  ingress.  She 
leaped  ujDon  this  barrier  and  (it  Avas  Avonderful  she  could  do 
so)  she  flew,  and  striking  the  air  with  wings  produced  on  the 
instant,  skimmed  along  the  surface  of  the  water,  an  unhappy- 
bird.  As  she  flew,  her  throat  poured  foi-th  sounds  full  of 
grief,  and  like  the  voice  of  one  lamenting.  When  she  touched 
the  mute  and  bloodless  body,  she  enfolded  its  beloved  Hmbs 
with  her  new-formed  wings,  and  tried  to  give  kisses  with  her 
horny  beak.  Whether  Ceyx  felt  it,  or  wdiether  it  was  only  the 
action  of  the  waves,  those  who  looked  on  doubted,  but  the 
body  seemed  to  raise  its  head.  But  indeed  he  did  feel  it,  and 
by  the  pitying  gods  both  of  them  were  changed  into  birds. 
They  mate  and  have  their  young  ones.  For  seven  placid  days, 
in  winter  time,  Halcyone  broods  over  her  nest,  which  floats 
upon  the  sea.  Then  the  way  is  safe  to  seamen.  JEolus  guards 
the  winds,  and  keeps  them  from  disturbing  the  deep.  The  sea 
is  given  up,  for  the  time,  to  his  grandchildren. 

The  following  lines  from  Byron's  Bride  of  Abydos  might 
seem  borrowed  from  the  concluding  jjart  of  this  description,  if 
it  were  not  stated  that  the  author  derived  the  suggestion  from 
observing  the  motion  of  a  floating  corpse. 

"  As  shaken  on  his  restless  pillow, 
His  head  heaves  with  the  heavinjr  billow; 
That  hand,  whose  motion  is  not  life. 
Yet  feebly  seems  to  menace  strife, 
Flung  by  the  tossing  tide  on  high. 
Then  levelled  with  the  wave ." 

Milton,  in  his  Hymn  for  the  Nativity,  thus  alludes  to  the 
fable  of  the  Halcyon  :  — 

"  But  peaceful  was  the  night 
Wherein  the  Prince  of  light 

His  reign  of  peace  upon  the  cai'th  began ; 
The  winds  with  wonder  whist, 
Smoothly  the  waters  kist, 

Whispering  new  joys  to  the  mild  ocean, 


90  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Who  now  hath  quite  forgot  to  rave 
While  birds  of  cahu  sit  brooding  on  the  charmed  wave. 

Keats,  also,  in  Endyiuion,  says:  — 

"  0  magic  sleep!  O  comfortable  bird 
That  broodest  o'er  the  troubled  sea  of  the  mind 
Till  it  is  hushed  and  smooth." 


CHAPTER    VI. 


VERTUMXUS  AND  POMONA. —  CUPID  AND  PSYCHE. 

THE  Hamadryads  were  Wood-nymi)lis.  Among  them  was 
Pomona,  and  no  one  excelled  her  in  love  of  the  garden 
and  the  culture  of  fruit.  She  cared  not  for  forests  and  rivers, 
but  loved  the  cultivated  country  and  trees  that  bear  delicious 
apples.  Pier  right  hand  bore  for  its  weapon  not  a  javelin, 
but  a  pruning-knife.  Armed  with  this,  she  worked  at  one 
time,  to  repress  the  too  luxuriant  growths,  and  curtail  the 
branches  that  straggled  out  of  place;  at  another,  to  split  the 
twig  and  insert  therein  a  graft,  making  the  branch  adopt  a 
nursling  not  its  own.  She  took  care,  too,  that  her  favorites 
should  not  suffer  from  drought,  and  led  streams  of  water  by 
them  that  the  thirsty  roots  might  drink.  This  occui)ation  was 
her  pursuit,  her  passion ;  and  she  was  free  from  that  which 
Venus  inspires.  She  was  not  without  fear  of  the  country 
people,  and  kept  her  orchard  locked,  and  allowed  not  men  to 
enter.  The  Fauns  and  Satyrs  would  have  given  all  they  pos- 
sessed to  win  her,  and  so  would  old  Sylvanus,  who  looks  young 
for  his  years,  and  Pan,  who  wears  a  garland  of  pine  leaves 
around  his  head.  But  Vertumnus  loved  her  best  of  all;  yet 
he  sped  no  better  than  the  rest.    Oh,  how  often,  in  the  disguise 

(91) 


92 


STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 


of  a  reaper,  did  he  bring  her  corn  in  a  basket,  and  looked  the 
very  image  of  a  reaper!  With  a  hay-band  tied  round  him, 
one  would  think  he  had  just  come  from  turning  over  the  grass. 
Sometimes  he  would  have  an  ox-goad  in  his  hand,  and  you 
would  have  said  he  had  just  unyoked  his  weary  oxen.  Now 
he  bore  a  pruning-hook,  and  personated  a  vine-dresser;  and 
again    with   a   ladder   on   his   shoulder,  he  seemed   as   if  he 

was  going  to  gather  apples. 


Sometimes  he  trudged  along 
as  a  discharged  soldier,  and 
again  he  bore  a  fishing-rod 
as  if  going  to  fish.  In  this 
way,  he  gained  admission  to 
lier,  again  and  again,  and  fed 
his  passion  with  the  sight  of 
her. 

One  day  he   came  in  the 
guise  of  an  old  woman,  her 
gray  hair   surmounted  with 
a  cap,   and   a    staff   in   her 
hand.     She  entered  the  garden  and 
admired   the   fruit.      "It    does    you 
credit,  my  dear,"  she  said,  and  kisse<l 
Pomona,  not    exactly   with    an    old 
woman's  kiss.     She  sat  down  on   a 
bank,  and  looked  up  at  the  branches 
laden  with  fruit  which  hung  over  her. 
POMONA.  Op])osite  was  an  elm  entwined  with  a 

vine  loaded  with  swelling  grapes.  She 
praised  the  tree  and  its  associated  vine,  equally.  "  But,"  said 
Vertumuus,  "if  the  tree  stood  alone,  and  had  no  vine  clinging 
to  it,  it  would  have  nothing  to  attract  or  offer  us  but  its  use- 
less leaves.  And  so  the  vine,  if  it  were  not  twined  round  the 
elm,  would  lie  prostrate  on  the  ground.  Why  will  you  not 
take  a  lesson  from  the  tree  and  the  vine,  and  consent  to  unite 
yourself  with  some  one  ?  I  wish  you  would.  Helen  herself 
had  not  more  numerous  suitors,'  nor  Penelojie,  the  wife  of 
shrewd    Ulysses.     Even   while   you   spurn   them,    they   court 


VERTUMNUS    AND    P0:M0NA.  93 

you  —  rural  deities  ami  others  of  every  kind  that  frequent  these 
mountains.  But  if  you  are  prudent  and  want  to  make  a  good 
alliance,  and  will  let  an  old  woman  advise  you, — who  loves 
you  better  than  you  have  any  idea  of,  —  dismiss  all  the  rest 
and  accept  Vertumnus,  on  my  recommendation.  I  know  him 
as  well  as  he  knows  himself.  He  is  not  a  wandering  deity, 
but  belongs  to  these  mountains.  Nor  is  he  like  too  many  of 
the  lovers  nowadays,  who  love  any  one  they  happen  to  see  ; 
he  loves  you,  and  you  only.  Add  to  this,  he  is  young  and 
handsome,  and  has  the  art  of  assuming  any  shape  he  pleases, 
and  can  make  himself  just  what  you  command  hhn.  More- 
over, he  loves  the  same  things  that  you  do,  delights  in  garden- 
ing, and  handles  your  apples  with  admiration.  But  note  he 
cares  nothing  for  fruits,  nor  flowers,  nor  anything  else,  but  only 
yourself.  Take  pity  on  him,  and  fancy  him  speaking  now  with 
my  mouth.  Remember  that  the  gods  punish  cruelty,  and  that 
Venus  hates  a  hard  heart,  and  will  visit  such  offences  sooner 
or  later.  To  prove  this,  let  me  tell  you  a  story,  which  is  well 
known  in  Cyprus  to  be  a  fact ;  and  I  hope  it  will  have  the 
effect  to  make  you  more  merciful. 

"Iphis  was  a  young  man  of  humble  parentage,  who  saw  and 
loved  Anaxarete,  a  noble  lady  of  the  ancient  family  of  Teucer. 
He  struggled  long  with  his  passion,  but  when  he  found  he 
could  not  subdue  it,  he  came  a  suppliant  to  her  mansion.  First 
he  told  his  passion  to  her  nurse,  and  begged  her  as  she  loved 
her  foster-child  to  favor  his  suit.  And  then  he  tried  to  win 
her  domestics  to  his  side.  Sometimes  he  committed  his  vows 
to  written  tablets,  and  often  hung  at  her  door  garlands  which 
he  had  moistened  with  his  tears.  He  stretched  himself  on  her 
threshold,  and  uttered  his  complaints  to  the  cruel  bolts  and 
bars.  She  was  deafer  than  the  surges  which  rise  in  the  No- 
vember gale ;  harder  than  steel  from  the  German  forges,  or  a 
rock  that  still  clings  to  its  native  cliff.  She  mocked  and 
laughed  at  him,  adding  cruel  words  to  her  ungentle  treatment, 
and  gave  not  the  slightest  gleam  of  hope. 

"  Iphis  could  not  any  longer  endure  the  torments  of  hopeless 
love,  and,  standing  before  her  doors,  he  spake  these  last  words  : 
'  Anaxarete,  you  have  conquered,  and  shall  no  longer  have  to 


94  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

bear  my  importunities.  Enjoy  your  trium})li !  Sing  songs  of 
joy,  and  bind  your  forehead  with  laurel, — you  have  conquered  ! 
I  die ;  stony  heart,  rejoice !  This  at  least  I  can  do  to  gratify 
you,  and  force  you  to  praise  me ;  and  thus  shall  I  prove  that 
the  love  of  you  left  me  but  Avith  life.  Nor  will  I  leave  it  to 
rumor  to  tell  you  of  my  death.  I  will  come  myself,  and  you 
shall  see  me  die,  and  feast  your  eyes  on  the  spectacle.  Yet,  Oh, 
ye  gods,  who  look  down  on  mortal  woes,  observe  my  fate !  I 
ask  but  this !  let  me  be  remembered  in  coming  ages,  and  add 
those  years  to  my  fame  which  you  liave  reft  from  my  life.' 
Thus  he  said,  and,  turning  his  pale  face  and  weeping  eyes 
towards  her  mansion,  he  fastened  a  rope  to  the  gate-post,  on 
Avhich  he  had  hung  garlands,  and  putting  his  head  into  the 
noose,  he  murmured,  '  This  garland  at  least  will  j^lease  you, 
cruel  girl ! '  and  falling,  hung  suspended  with  his  neck  broken. 
As  he  fell  he  struck  against  the  gate,  and  the  sound  was  as  the 
sound  of  a  groan.  The  servants  opened  the  door  and  found 
him  dead,  and  with  exclamations  of  pity  raised  him  and  carried 
him  home  to  his  mother,  for  his  father  was  not  living.  She 
received  the  dead  body  of  her  son,  and  folded  the  cold  form  to 
her  bosom ;  while  she  jioured  forth  the  sad  Avords  which  be- 
reaved mothers  utter.  The  mournful  funeral  passed  through 
the  town,  and  the  pale  corpse  was  borne  on  a  bier  to  the  place 
of  the  funeral  pile.  By  chance  the  home  of  Anaxarete  was  on 
the  street  where  the  procession  passed,  and  the  lamentations  of 
the  mourners  met  the  ears  of  her  whom  the  avenging  deity  had 
already  marked  for  punishment. 

"'Let  us  see  this  sad  procession,'  said  she,  and  mounted  to 
a  turret,  Avhence  through  an  open  windoAV  she  looked  upon  the 
funeral.  Scarce  had  her  eyes  rested  upon  the  form  of  Iphis 
stretched  on  the  bier,  Avhen  they  began  to  stiffen,  and  the 
Avarm  blood  in  her  body  to  become  cold.  Endeavoring  to  step 
back,  she  found  she  could  not  move  her  feet ;  trying  to  turn 
aAvay  her  face,  she  tried  in  vain  ;  and  by  degrees  all  her  limbs 
became  stony  like  her  heart.  That  you  may  not  doubt  the 
fact,  the  statue  still  remains,  and  stands  in  the  temple  of  Venus 
at  Salamis,  in  the  exact  form  of  the  lady.  Now  think  of  these 
things,  my  dear,  and  lay  aside  your  scorn  and  your  delays,  antl 


VERTUMNUS    AND    POMONA.  95 

accept  a  lover.     So  may  neither  the' vernal  frosts  blight  your 
young  fruits,  nor  furious  winds  scatter  your  blossoms  ! " 

When  Vertumnus  had  spoken  thus,  he  dropped  the  disguise 
of  an  old  woman,  and  stood  before  her  in  his  proper  person,  as 
a  comely  youth.  It  appeared  to  her  like  the  sun  bursting 
through  a  cloud.  He  would  have  renewed  his  entreaties,  but 
there  was  no  need  ;  his  arguments  and  the  sight  of  his  true 
form  prevailed,  and  the  Nymph  no  longer  resisted,  but  owned 
a  mutual  flame. 

Pomona  was  the  especial  patroness  of  the  apple-orchard, 
and  as  such  she  was  invoked  by  Phillips,  the  author  of  a  poem 
on  Cider,  in  blank  verse,  in  the  foUowinir  lines  :  — 


"  What  soil  the  apple  loves,  what  care  is  clue 
To  orchats,  timeliest  when  to  press  the  fruits, 
Thy  gift,  Pomona,  in  Miltonian  verse 
Adventurous  I  presume  to  sing." 

Thomson,  in  the  Seasons,  alludes  to  Phillips:  — 

"  Phillips,  Pomona's  bard,  the  second  thou 
Who  nobly  durst,  in  rhyme-nnfcttcrod  verse, 
With  British  freedom,  sing  the  British  song." 

It  will  be  seen  that  Thomson  refers  to  the  poet's  reference  to 
Milton,  but  it  is  not  true  that  Phillips  is  only  the  second  writer 
of  English  blank  verse.  Many  other  poets  beside  Milton  had 
used  it  long  before  Phillips'  time. 

But  Pomona  was  also  regarded  as  presiding  over  other  fruits, 
and,  as  such,  is  invoked  by  Thomson  :  — 

"  Bear  me,  Pomona,  to  thy  citron  groves. 
To  where  the  lemon  and  the  piercing  lime, 
With  the  deep  orange,  glowing  through  the  green, 
Their  lighter  glories  blend.     Lay  me  reclined 
Beneath  the  spreading  tamarind,  that  shakes. 
Fanned  by  the  breeze,  its  fever-cooling  fruit." 


06  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


Cupid  and  Psyche. 

A  certain  king  had  three  daughters.^  The  two  elder  were 
charming  girls,  but  the  beauty  of  the  youngest  was  so  wonder- 
ful that  language  is  too  poor  to  express  its  due  praise.  The 
fame  of  her  beauty  was  so  great  that  strangers  from  neighbor- 
ing countries  came  in  crowds  to  enjoy  the  sight,  and  looked  on 
her  Avith  amazement,  paying  her  that  homage  which  is  due  only 
to  Venus  herself.  In  fact,  Venus  found  her  altars  deserted, 
while  men  turned  their  devotion  to  this  young  virgin.  As  she 
passed  along,  the  people  sang  her  praises,  and  strewed  her  Avay 
with  chaplets  and  flowers. 

This  perversion  to  a  mortal  of  the  homage  due  only  to  the 
immortal  powers  gave  great  offence  to  the  real  Venus.  Shak- 
ing her  ambrosial  locks  with  indignation,  she  exclaimed,  "  Am 
I  then  to  be  eclipsed  in  my  honors  by  a  mortal  girl  ?  In  vain 
then  did  that  royal  shepherd,  whose  judgment  was  approved 
by  Jove  himself,  give  me  the  palm  of  beauty  over  my  illus- 
trious rivals,  Pallas  and  Juno.^  But  she  shall  not  so  quietly 
usurp  my  honors.  I  will  give  her  cause  to  repent  of  so  unlaw- 
ful a  beauty." 

Thereupon  she  calls  her  winged  son  Cupid,  mischievous 
enough  in  his  own  nature,  and  rouses  and  provokes  him  yet 
more  by  her  complaints.  She  points  out  Psyche  to  him,  and 
says,  "  My  dear  son,  punish  that  contumacious  beauty ;  give 
thy  mother  a  revenge  as  sweet  as  her  injuries  are  great ;  infuse 
into  the  bosom  of  that  haughty  girl  a  ]>assion  for  some  low^ 
mean,  unworthy  being,  so  that  she  may  reap  a  mortification  as 
great  as  her  present  exultation  and  triumph." 

Cupid  prepared  to  obey  the  commands  of  his  mother.  There 
are  two  fountains  in  Venus's  garden,  one  of  sweet  waters,  the 
other  of  bitter.  Cupid  filled  two  amber  vases,  one  from  each 
fountain,  and  suspending  them  from  the  top  of  his   quiver, 

1  This  seems  to  be  one  of  the  latest  faWes  of  the  Greek  mytholo^'v.  It  has  not 
been  found  earlier  than  the  close  of  the  second  century  of  the  Christian  era.  It 
bears  marks  of  the  higher  religious  notions  of  that  time. 

2  See  page  257. 


CUPID    AND    PSYCHE.  97 

hastened  to  the  chamber  of  Psyche,  whom  he  found  asleep. 
He  shed  a  few  drops  from  the  bitter  fountain  over  her  lips, 
though  the  sight  of  her  almost  moved  him  to  pity ;  then 
touched  her  side  with  the  point  of  his  arrow.  At  the  touch 
she  awoke,  and  opened  eyes  upon  Cupid  (himself  invisible) 
which  so  startled  him  that  in  his  confusion  he  wounded  him- 
self with  his  own  arrow.  Heedless  of  his  wound  his  whole 
thought  now  was  to  repair  the  mischief  he  had  done,  and  he 
poured  the  balmy  drops  of  joy  over  all  her  silken  ringlets. 

Psyche,  henceforth  frowned  upon  by  Venus,  derived  no 
benefit  from  all  her  charms.  True,  all  eyes  Avere  cast  eagerly 
u])on  her,  and  every  mouth  spoke  her  praises ;  but  neither 
king,  royal  youth,  nor  plebeian  presented  himself  to  demand 
her  in  marriage.  Her  two  elder  sisters  of  moderate  charms 
had  now  long  been  married  to  two  royal  princes ;  but  Psyche, 
in  her  lonely  apartment,  deplored  her  solitude,  sick  of  that 
beauty,  which,  while  it  procured  abundance  of  flattery,  had 
failed  to  awaken  love. 

Her  parents,  afraid  that  they  had  unwittingly  incurred  the 
anger  of  the  gods,  consulted  the  oracle  of  Apollo,  and  received 
this  answer :  "  The  virgin  is  destined  for  the  bride  of  no  mortal 
lover.  Her  future  husband  awaits  her  on  the  top  of  the  moun- 
tain.    He  is  a  monster  whom  neither  gods  nor  men  can  resist." 

This  dreadful-  decree  of  the  oracle  filled  all  the  people  with 
dismay,  and  her  parents  abandoned  themselves  to  grief.  But 
Psyche  said,  "  Why,  my  dear  parents,  do  you  now  lament  me  ? 
You  should  rather  have  grieved  when  the  people  showered 
upon  me  undeserved  honors,  and  Avith  one  voice  called  me  a 
Venus.  I  now  jDcrceive  that  I  am  a  victim  to  that  name.  I 
submit.  Lead  me  to  that  rock  to  which  my  unhappy  fate  has 
destined  me."  Accordingly,  all  things  being  prepared,  the 
royal  maid  took  her  j^lace  in  the  procession,  which  more 
resembled  a  funeral  than  a  nuptial  pomp,  and  with  her  parents, 
amid  the  lamentations  of  the  people,  ascended  the  mountain, 
on  the  summit  of  which  they  left  her  alone,  and  with  sorrowful 
hearts  returned  home. 

While  Psyche  stood  on  the  ridge  of  the  mountain,  panting 
with  fear  and  with  eyes  full  of  tears,  the  gentle  Zephyr  raised 


98  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

her  from  the  earth  and  bore  her  with  an  easy  motion  into  a 
flowery  dale.  By  degrees  her  mind  became  composed,  and  she 
laid  herself  down  on  the  grassy  bank  to  sleei^.  When  she 
awoke,  refreshed  with  sleep,  she  looked  round  and  beheld  near 
by  a  pleasant  grove  of  tall  and  stately  ti-ees.  She  entered  it, 
and  in  the  midst  discovered  a  fountain,  sending  forth  clear  and 
crystal  waters,  and  hard  by,  a  magnificent  palace  whose  august 
front  impressed  the  spectator  that  it  was  not  the  work  of  mor- 
tal hands,  but  the  happy  retreat  of  some  god.  Drawn  by 
admiration  and  wonder,  she  approached  the  building  and  ven- 
tured to  enter.  Every  object  she  met  tilled  her  with  pleasure 
and  amazement.  Golden  pillars  supported  the  vaulted  roof, 
and  the  walls  were  enriched  with  carvings  and  paintings  repre- 
senting beasts  of  the  chase  and  rural  scenes,  adapted  to  delight 
the  eye  of  the  beholder.  Proceeding  onward  she  perceived 
that  besides  the  apartments  of  state  there  were  others,  filled 
with  all  manner  of  treasures,  and  beautiful  and  precious  pro- 
ductions of  nature  and  art. 

While  her  eyes  were  thus  occupied,  a  voice  addressed  her, 
though  she  saw  no  one,  uttering  these  words  :  "  Sovereign  lady, 
all  that  you  see  is  yours.  We  whose  voices  you  hear  are  your 
servants,  and  shall  obey  all  your  commands  with  our  utmost 
care  and  diligence.  Retire  therefore  to  your  chamber  and 
repose  on  your  bed  of  down,  and  when  you  see  fit  repair  to 
the  bath.  Supper  will  await  you  in  the  adjoining  alcove 
when  it  pleases  you  to  take  your  seat  there." 

Psyche  gave  ear  to  the  admonitions  of  her  vocal  attendants, 
and  after  repose  and  the  refreshment  of  the  bath,  seated  herself 
in  the  alcove,  where  a  table  immediately  presented  itself,  with- 
out any  visible  aid  from  waiters  or  servants,  and  covered  with 
the  greatest  delicacies  of  food  and  the  most  nectareous  wines. 
Her  ears  too  were  feasted  with  music  from  invisible  jier- 
formers;  of  whom  one  sang,  another  played  on  the  lute,  and 
all  closed  in  the  wonderful  harmony  of  a  full  chorus. 

She  had  not  yet  seen  her  destined  husband.  Pie  came  only 
in  the  hours  of  darkness,  and  fled  before  the  dawn  of  morning, 
but  his  accents  were  full  of  love,  and  inspired  a  like  passion  in 
her.     She  often  begged  him  to  stay  and  let  her  behold  him, 


CUPID    AND   PSYCHE.  99 

but  he  would  not  consent.  On  the  contrary,  he  cliarged  her  to 
make  no  attempt  to  see  him,  for  it  was  his  pleasure,  for  the 
best  of  reasons,  to  keep  concealed.  "Why  should  you  wish  to 
behold  rae?"  he  said.  "Have  you  any  doubt  of  my  love?  have 
you  any  wish  ungratified  ?  If  you  saw  me,  perhaps  you  would 
fear  ine,  perha})s  adore  me,  but  all  I  ask  of  you  is  to  love  me. 
1  would  rather  you  would  love  me  as  an  equal  than  adore  me  as 
a  god." 

This  reasoning  somewhat  quieted  Psyche  for  a  time,  and 
while  the  novelty  lasted  she  felt  quite  happy.  But  at  length 
the  thought  of  her  parents,  left  in  ignorance  of  her  fate,  and  of 
her  sisters,  precluded  from  sharing  with  her  the  delights  of  her 
situation,  preyed  on  her  mind  and  made  her  begin  to  feel  her 
palace  as  but  a  splendid  prison.  When  her  husband  came  one 
night,  she  told  him  her  distress,  and  at  last  drew  from  him  an 
unwilling  consent  that  her  sisters  should  be  brought  to  see  her. 

So  calling  Zephyr,  she  acquainted  him  with  her  husband's 
commands,  and  he,  promptly  obedient,  soon  brought  them 
across  the  mountain  down  to  their  sister's  valley.  They  em- 
braced her  and  she  returned  their  caresses.  "Come,"  said 
Psyche,  "  enter  with  me  my  house  and  refresh  yourselves  with 
whatever  your  sister  has  to  offer."  Then  taking  their  hands 
she  led  them  into  her  golden  palace,  and  committed  them  to 
the  care  of  her  numerous  train  of  attendant  voices,  to  refresh 
them  in  her  baths  and  at  her  table,  and  to  show  them  all  her 
treasures.  The  view  of  these  celestial  delights  caused  envy  to 
enter  their  bosoms,  at  seeing  their  young  sister  possessed  of 
such  state  and  splendor,  so  much  exceeding  their  own. 

They  asked  her  numberless  questions,  among  others  what 
sort  of  a  person  her  husband  was.  Psyche  replied  that  he  was 
a  beautiful  youth,  Avho  generally  spent  the  daytime  in  hunting 
upon  the  mountains.  The  sisters,  not  satisfied  with  this  reply, 
soon  made  her  confess  that  she  had  never  seen  him.  Then 
they  pi'oceeded  to  fill  her  bosom  with  dark  suspicions.  "  Call 
to  mind,"  they  said,  "the  Pythian  oracle  that  declared  you 
destined  to  marry  a  direful  and  tremendous  monster.  The 
inhabitants  of  this  valley  say  that  your  husband  is  a  terrible 
and  monstrous  serpent,  who  nourishes  you  for  a  while  with 


100  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

dainties  that  be  may  by  and  by  devour  you.  Take  our  advice. 
Provide  yourself  with  a  himp  and  a  sharp  knife ;  put  them  in 
conceahnent  that  your  husband  may  not  discover  them,  and 
Avhen  lie  is  sound  asleep,  slip  out  of  bed,  bring  forth  your  lamp 
and  see  for  yourself  whether  what  they  say  is  true  or  not.  If 
it  is,  hesitate  not  to  cut  off  the  monster's  head,  and  thereby 
recover  your  liberty." 

Psyche  resisted  these  persuasions  as  well  as  she  could,  but 
they  did  not  fail  to  liave  their  effect  on  her  mind,  and  when 
her  sisters  were  gone,  their  words  and  her  own  curiosity  were 
too  strong  for  her  to  resist.  So  she  prepared  her  lamj)  and  a 
sharp  knife,  and  hid  them  out  of  sight  of  her  husband.  When 
he  had  fallen  into  his  first  sleep,  she  silently  rose  and  uncover- 
ing her  lamp  beheld  not  a  hideous  monster,  but  the  most  beau- 
tiful and  charming  of  the  gods,  with  his  golden  ringlets  wan- 
dering over  his  snowy  neck  and  crimson  cheek,  wdth  two  dewy 
wings  on  his  shoulders,  Avhiter  than  snow,  and  with  shining 
feathers  like  the  tender  blossoms  of  spring.  As  she  leaned  the 
lamp  over  to  have  a  nearer  view  of  his  face  a  drop  of  burning 
oil  fell  on  the  shoulder  of  the  god,  startled  with  which  he 
opened  his  eyes  and  fixed  them  full  upon  her ;  then,  without 
saying  one  word,  he  si^read  his  white  wings  and  fiew  out  of  the 
window.  Psyche,  in  vain  endeavoring  to  follow  him,  fell  from 
the  Avindow  to  the  ground.  Cupid,  beholding  her  as  she  lay  in 
the  dust,  stopped  his  flight  for  an  instant  and  said,  "O  foolish 
Psyche,  is  it  thus  you  repay  my  love  ?  After  having  disobeyed 
my  mother's  commands  and  made  you  my  Avife,  wall  you  think 
me  a  monster  and  cut  off  my  head  ?  But  go ;  return  to  your 
sisters,  Avhose  advice  you  seem  to  think  preferable  to  mine.  I 
inflict  no  other  punishment  on  you  than  to  leave  you  forever. 
Love  cannot  dwell  with  suspicion."  So  saying  he  fled  a^vay, 
leaving  poor  Psyche  prostrate  on  the  ground,  filling  the  place 
Avith  mournful  lamentations. 

When  she  had  recovei-ed  some  degree  of  composure  she 
looked  around  her,  but  the  palace  and  gardens  had  vanished, 
and  she  found  herself  in  the  open  field  not  far  from  the  city 
Avhere  her  sisters  dwelt.  She  repaired  thither  and  told  them 
the  whole  storv  of  her  misfortunes,  at  Avhich,  pretending  to 


CUPID    AND    PYSCHE.  101 

grieve,  those  spiteful  creatures  inwardly  rejoiced ;  "for  now," 
said  they,  "  he  will  perhaps  choose  one  of  us."  With  this  idea, 
without  saying  a  word  of  her  intentions,  each  of  them  rose 
early  the  next  morning  and  ascended  the  mountain,  and  having 
reached  the  top,  called  upon  Zephyr  to  receive  her  and  bear 
her  to  his  lord ;  tlien  leaping  up,  and  not  being  sustained  by 
Zephyr,  fell  down  the  precipice  and  was  dashed  to  pieces. 

Psyche  meanwhile  wandered  day  and  night,  without  food  or 
repose,  in  search  of  her  husband.  Casting  her  eyes  on  a  lofty 
mountain  having  on  its  brow  a  magnificent  tem])le,  she  sighed 
and  said  to  herself,  "  Perhaps  my  love,  my  lord,  inhabits  there," 
and  directed  her  steps  thither. 

She  liad  no  sooner  entered  than  she  saw  heaps  of  corn,  some 
in  loose  ears  and  some  in  sheaves,  M'ith  mingled  ears  of  barley. 
Scattered  about  lay  sickles  and  rakes,  and  all  the  instruments 
of  harvest,  without  order,  as  if  thrown  carelessly  out  of  the 
weary  reapers'  hands  in  the  sultry  hours  of  the  day. 

This  unseemly  confusion  the  pious  Psyche  put  an  end  to,  by 
separating  and  sorting  every  thing  to  its  proper  place  and 
kind,  believing  that  she  ought  to  neglect  none  of  the  gods,  but 
endeavor  by  her  piety  to  engage  them  all  in  her  behalf.  The 
holy  Ceres,  whose  temple  it  was,  finding  lier  so  religiously  em- 
ployed, thus  spoke  to  her :  "  O  Psyche,  truly  worthy  of  our 
pity,  though  I  cannot  shield  you  from  the  frowns  of  Venus,  yet 
I  can  teach  you  how  best  to  allay  her  displeasure.  Go  then, 
Yoluntarily  surrender  yourself  to  your  lady  and  sovereign,  and 
try  by  modesty  and  submission  to  Avin  her  forgiveness ;  perhaps 
her  favor  will  restore  you  the  husband  you  have  lost." 

Psyche  obeyed  the  commands  of  Ceres  and  took  her  way  to 
the  temple  of  Venus,  endeavoring  to  fortify  her  mind  and 
thinking  of  what  she  should  say  and  how  she  should  best 
])ropitiate  the  angry  goddess,  feeling  that  the  issue  was  doubt- 
ful and  perhaps  fatal. 

Venus  received  her  with  angry  countenance,  "  Most  unduti- 
ful  and  faithless  of  servants,"  said  she,  "  do  you  at  last  remem- 
ber that  you  really  have  a  mistress  ?  Or  have  you  rather  come 
to  see  your  sick  husband,  yet  suffering  from  the  wound  given 
him  by  his  loving  wife?     You  are  so  ill-favored  and  disagree- 


102  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

able  that  the  only  way  you  can  merit  your  lover  must  be  by 
dint  of,  industry  and  diligence.  I  will  make  trial  of  your 
housewifery."  Then  she  ordered  Psyche  to  be  led  to  the  store- 
house of  her  temjile,  where  was  laid  up  a  great  quantity  of 
wheat,  barley,  millet,  vetches,  beans,  and  lentils  prepared  for 
food  for  her  doves,  and  said,  "Take  and  separate  all  these 
grains,  putting  all  of  the  same  kind  in  a  parcel  by  themselves, 
and  see  that  you  get  it  done  before  evening."  Then  Venus 
departed  and  left  her  to  her  task. 

But  Psyche,  in  perfect  consternation  at  the  enormous  work, 
sat  stupid  and  silent,  without  moving  a  finger  to  the  inextri- 
cable heap. 

While  she  sat  despairing,  Cupid  stirred  up  the  little  ant,  a 
native  of  the  fields,  to  take  compassion  on  her.  The  leader  of 
the  ant-hill,  followed  by  whole  hosts  of  his  six-legged  subjects, 
approached  the  heap,  and  with  the  utmost  diligence  taking 
grain  by  grain,  they  separated  the  pile,  sorting  each  kind  to  its 
parcel ;  and  when  it  was  all  done,  they  vanished  out  of  sight  in 
a  moment. 

Venus  at  the  approach  of  twilight  returned  from  the  ban- 
quet of  the  gods,  breathing  odors  and  crowned  with  roses. 
Seeing  the  task  done  she  exclaimed,  "  This  is  no  work  of  yours 
wicked  one,  but  his,  whom  to  your  own  and  his  misfortune  you 
have  enticed."  So  saying,  she  threw  her  a  piece  of  black 
bread  for  her  supper  and  Avent  away. 

Next  morning  Venus  ordered  Psyche  to  be  called,  and  said 
to  her,  "  Behold  yonder  grove  which  stretches  along  the  mar- 
gin of  the  water.  There  you  will  find  sheep  feeding  without  a 
shepherd,  with  golden-shining  fleeces  on  their  backs.  Go, 
fetch  me  a  sample  of  that  precious  wool  gathered  from  e-s-ery 
one  of  their  fleeces." 

Psyche  obediently  went  to  the  river-side,  prepared  to  do  her 
best  to  execute  the  command.  But  the  river-god  inspired  the 
reeds  with  harmonious  murmurs,  which  seemed  to  say,  "  O 
maiden,  severely  tried,  tempt  not  the  dangerous  flood,  nor 
venture  among  the  formidable  rams  on  the  other  side,  for  as 
long  as  they  are  under  the  influence  of  the  rising  sun,  they 
burn  with  a  cruel  rage  to  destroy  mortals  with  their  sharp 


CUPID    AND    PSYCHE.  103 

horns  or  rude  teeth.  But  when  the  noontide  sun  has  driven 
the  flock  to  the  shade,  and  the  serene  spirit  of  the  flood  has 
lulled  them  to  rest,  you  may  then  cross  in  safety,  and  you  will 
find  the  woolly  gold  sticking  to  the  bushes  and  the  trunks  of 
the  trees." 

Tims  the  comjDassionate  river-god  gave  Psyche  instructions 
how  to  accomplish  her  task,  and  by  observing  his  directions 
she  soon  returned  to  Venus  with  her  arms  full  of  the  golden 
fleece ;  but  she  received  not  the  approbation  of  her  implacable 
mistress,  who  said,  "I  know  very  well  it  is  by  none  of  your 
own  doings  that  you  have  succeeded  in  this  task,  and  I  am  not 
satisfied  yet  that  you  have  any  capacity  to  make  yourself  use- 
ful. But  I  have  another  task  for  you.  Here,  take  this  box, 
and  go  your  way  to  the  infernal  shades,  and  give  this  box  to 
Proserpine,  and  say,  '  My  mistress  Venus  desires  you  to  send 
her  a  little  of  your  beauty,  for  in  tending  her  sick  son  she  has 
lost  some  of  her  own.'  Be  not  too  long  on  your  errand,  for  I 
must  paint  myself  with  it  to  appear  at  the  circle  of  the  gods 
and  goddesses  this  evening." 

Psyche  was  now  satisfied  that  her  destruction  was  at  hand, 
being  obliged  to  go  with  her  own  feet  directly  down  to  Erebus. 
Wherefore,  to  make  no  delay  of  what  was  not  to  be  avoided, 
she  goes  to  the  top  of  a  high  tower  to  precipitate  herself  head- 
long, thus  to  descend  the  shortest  way  to  the  shades  below. 
But  a  voice  from  the  tower  said  to  her,  "  Why,  poor  unlucky 
girl,  dost  thou  design  to  put  an  end  to  thy  days  in  so  dreadful 
a  manner  ?  And  what  cowardice  makes  thee  sink  under  this 
last  danger,  who  hast  been  so  miraculously  supported  in  all  thy 
former  ?  "  Then  the  voice  told  her  how  by  a  certain  cave  she 
might  reach  the  realms  of  Pluto,  and  how  to  avoid  all  the  dan- 
gers of  the  road,  to  pass  by  Cerberus,  the  three-headed  dog, 
and  prevail  on  Charon,  the  ferryman,  to  take  her  across  tlie 
black  river  and  bring  her  back  again.  But  the  voice  added, 
"When  Proserpine  has  given  you  the  box,  filled  with  her 
beauty,  of  all  things  this  is  chiefly  to  be  observed  by  you,  that 
you  never  once  open  or  look  into  the  box  nor  allow  your 
curiosity  to  pry  into  the  treasure  of  the  beauty  of  the  god- 
desses." 


104  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND   HEROES. 

Psyche  encouraged  by  this  advice  obeyed  it  in  all  things, 
and  taking  heed  to  her  Avays  travelled  safely  to  the  kingdom 
of  Pluto.  She  was  admitted  to  the  palace  of  Proserpine,  and 
without  accepting  the  delicate  seat  or  delicious  banquet  that 
was  offered  her,  but  contented  Avith  coarse  bread  for  her  food, 
she  delivered  her  message  from  Venus.  Presently  the  box  Avas 
returned  to  her,  shut  and  filled  with  the  precious  commodity. 
Then  she  returned  the  way  she  came,  and  glad  was  she  to 
come  out  once  more  into  the  light  of  day. 

But  having  got  so  far  successfully  through  her  dangerous 
task  a  longing  desire  seized  her  to  examine  the  contents  of  the 
box.  "What,"  said  she,  "shall  I,  the  carrier  of  this  divine 
beauty,  not  take  the  least  bit  to  put  on  my  cheeks  to  appear 
to  more  advantage  in  the  eyes  of  my  beloved  husband  !  "  So 
she  carefully  opened  the  box,  but  found  nothing  there  of  any 
beauty  at  all,  but  an  infernal  and  truly  Stygian  sleej),  which 
being  thus  set  free  from  its  j^rison,  took  possession  of  her,  and 
she  fell  down  in  the  midst  of  the  road,  a  sleepy  corpse  without 
sense  or  motion. 

But  Cupid  being  now  recovered  from  his  Avound,  and  not 
able  longer  to  bear  the  absence  of  his  beloA^ed  Psyche,  slipping 
through  the  smallest  crack  of  the  AvindoAv  of  his  chamber 
Avhich  liappened  to  be  left  open,  flcAv  to  the  spot  AAdiere  Psyche 
lay,  and  gathering  up  the  sleep  from  her  body  closed  it  again 
in  the  box,  and  Avaked  Psyche  Avith  a  light  touch  of  one  of  his 
arroAvs.  "  Again,"  said  he,  "  hast  thou  almost  perished  by  the 
same  curiosity.  But  noAV  i^erform  exactly  the  task  imposed 
on  you  by  my  mother,  and  I  Avill  take  care  of  the  rest." 

Then  Cupid,  as  SAvift  as  lightning  penetrating  the  heights 
of  heaven,  presented  himself  before  Jupiter  Avith  his  supplica- 
tion. Jupiter  lent  a  favoring  ear,  and  pleaded  the  cause  of  the 
lovers  so  earnestly  Avith  Venus  that  he  Avon  her  consent.  On 
this  he  sent  Mercury  to  bring  Psyche  up  to  the  heaA'enly 
assembly,  and  Avhen  she  arrived,  handing  her  a  cuj)  of  am- 
brosia, he  said,  "  Drink  this,  Psyche,  and  be  immortal ;  nor 
shall  Cupid  CA^er  break  aAvay  from  the  knot  in  Avhich  he  is  tied, 
but  these  nuptials  shall  be  perpetual." 

Thus  Psyche  became  at  last  united  to  Cupid,  and  in    due 


CUPID    AND    PSYCHE. 


105 


time  they   had  a  daughter   born   to   them   Avhose  name  was 
Pleasure. 

The  fable  of  Cupid  and  Psyche  is  usually  considered  allegor- 
ical.     The  Greek  name 
for  a  butterfly  is  Psyche, 
and    the    same    word 
means  the  soid.      There 
is  no  illustration  of  the 
immortality  of  the  soul 
so  striking  and  beautiful  as  the 
butterfly,  bursting  on    brilliant 
wings  from  the  tomb  in  which 
it  has  lain,  after  a  dull,  grovel- 
ling,   caterpillar    existence,    to 
flutter  in  the  blaze  of  day  and 
feed  on  the  most  fragrant  and 
delicate     productions     of     the 
spring.     Psyche,   then,    is    the 
human  soul,  which   is    purified 
by  sufferings    and  misfortunes, 
and   is   thus   prepared  for   the 
enjoyment   of    true    and    pure 
happiness. 

In  Avorks  of  art  Psyche  is 
represented  as  a  maiden  with 
the  wings  of  a  butterfly,  alone 
or  with  Cupid,  in  the  different 
situations  described  in  the  al- 
legory. 

Milton  alludes  to  the  story  of  Cupid  and  Psyche  in  the  con- 
clusion of  his  Comus  :  — 


.rriD  AXD   PSVCHE. 


■  Celestial  Cupid,  her  famed  son,  advanced, 
Holds  his  dear  Psyche  sweet  entranced. 
After  her  wandering  labors  long, 
Till  free  consent  tlie  gods  among 
Make  her  his  eternal  bride ; 
And  from  her  fair  unspotted  side 
Two  blissful  twins  are  to  be  born. 
Youth  and  Jov;  so  Jove  hath  sworn." 


106  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

The  allegory  of  the  story  of  Cupid  and  Psyche  is  well  pre- 
sented in  the  beautiful  lines  of  T.  K.  Hervey  :  — 

"  They  wove  bright  fables  in  the  clays  of  old 

When  reason  boiTowed  fancy's  painted  ^viny:s; 
When  truth's  clear  river  flowed  o'er  sands  of  gold, 
And  told  in  song  its  high  and  mystic  things ! 
■     And  such  the  sweet  and  solemn  tale  of  her 

The  pilgrim-heart,  to  whom  a  dream  was  given. 
That  led  her  through  the  world,  —  Love's  worshipper,  — 
To  seek  on  earth  for  him  whose  home  was  heaven ! 

"  In  the  full  <'ity,  —  by  the  haunted  fount,  — 

Through  the  dim  grotto's  tracery  of  spars,  — 
'Mid  the  pine  temples,  on  the  moonlit  mount. 

Where  silence  sits  to  listen  to  the  stars ; 
In  the  deep  glade  where  dwells  the  brooding  dove, 

The  painted  valley,  and  the  scented  air, 
She  heard  far  echoes  of  the  voice  of  Love, 

And  found  his  footsteps'  traces  everywhere. 

"  But  never  more  they  met!  since  doubts  and  fears. 

Those  phantom-shapes  that  haunt  and  blight  the  earth, 
Had  come  'twixt  her,  a  child  of  sin  and  tears. 

And  that  bright  spirit  of  immortal  birtl^ ; 
Until  her  pining  soul  and  weeping  ej^es 
Had  learned  to  seek  him  only  in  the  skies ; 
Till  wings  unto  the  weary  heart  were  given. 
And  she  became  Love's  angel  bride  in  heaven  !  " 

The  story  of  Cupid  and  Psyche  first  appears  in  the  works  of 
Apuleius,  a  writer  of  the  second  century  of  our  era.  It  is 
therefore  of  much  more  recent  date  than  inost  of  the  legends 
of  the  Age  of  Fable.  It  is  this  that  Keats  alludes  to  in  his 
Ode  to  Psyche. 

"  O  latest  born  and  loveliest  vision  far 
Of  all  Olympus'  faded  hierarchy  ! 
Fairer  than  Phoebe's  sapphire-i'egioned  star 

Or  Vesper,  amorous  glow-worm  of  the  sky ; 
Fairer  than  these,  though  temple  thou  hast  none. 

Nor  altar  heaped  with  flowers ; 
Nor  vii-gin-choir  to  make  delicious  moan 

Upon  the  midnight  hours  ; 
No  voice,  no  lute,  no  pipe,  no  incense  sweet, 

From  chain-swung  censer  teeming ; 
No  shrine,  no  grove,  no  oracle,  no  heat 

Of  pale-mouthed  proi^het  dreaming." 


CUPID    AND    PSYCHE.  107 

In  Moore's  Summer  Fete,  a  fancy  ball  is  described,  in  which 
one  of  the  characters  personated  is  Psyche. 

" not  in  dark  disguise  to-night 

Hath  oiu-  young  heroine  veiled  her  light ;  — 
For  see,  she  walks  the  earth,  Love's  owu. 

His  wedded  bride,  by  holiest  vow 
Pledged  in  Olympus,  and  made  known 

To  mortals  by  the  type  which  now 

Hangs  glittering  on  her  snowy  brow. 
That  butterfly,  mysterious  trinket, 
Which  means  the  soul  (though  few  would  think  it), 
And  sparkling  thus  on  brow  so  white, 
Tells  us  we've  Psyche  here  to-uight." 


CHAPTER  YII. 


CADMUS. 


■THE   MYRMIDONS.— ECHO    AND   NARCISSUS.— 
HERO  AND  LEANDER. 


JUPITER,  under  the  disguise  of  a  bull,  had  cavried  away 
to  the  island  of  Crete,  Europa,  the  daughter  of  Agenor 
king  of  Phoenicia.  Agenor  commanded  his  son  Cadmus  to  go 
in  search  of  liis  sister,  and  not  to  return  without  her.  Cadmus 
went  and  sought  long  and  far  for  his  sister,  but  could  not  find 
her,  and  not  daring  to  return  unsuccessful,  consulted  the  oracle 
of  Apollo  to  know  what  country  he  should  settle  hi.  The 
oracle  informed  him  that  he  should  find  a  cow  in  the  field,  and 
should  follow  her  wherever  she  might  wander,  and  where  she 
stopped,  should  build  a  city  and  call  it  Tliebes.  Cadmus  had 
hardly  left  the  Castalian  cave,  from  which  the  oracle  was  de- 
livered, when  he  saw  a  young  cow  slowly  walking  before  him. 
He  followed  her  close,  offering  at  the  same  time  liis  prayers  to 
Phoebus.  The  cow  went  on  till  she  passed  the  shallow  channel 
of  Cephisus  and  came  out  into  the  plain  of  Panope.  There  she 
stood  still,  and  raising  her  broad  forehead  to  the  sky,  filled  the 
air  with  her  lowings.  Cadmus  gave  thanks,  and  stooping 
down  kissed  the  foreign  soil,  then  lifting  his  eyes,  greeted  the 
surrounding  mountains.  Wishing  to  offer  a  sacrifice  to  Jupi- 
ter, he   sent  his  servants  to  seek  pure  water  for  a  libation. 

(108) 


CADMUS.  109 

Near  by  there  stood  an  ancient  grove  which  had  never  been 
profaned  by  the  axe,  in  the  midst  of  which  was  a  cave,  thick 
covered  with  the  growth  of  bushes,  its  roof  forming  a  low  arch, 
from  beneath  which  burst  forth  a  fountain  of  purest  water.  In 
the  cave  hirked  a  horrid  serpent  Avith  a  crested  head  and  scales 
glittering  like  gold.  His  eyes  shone  like  fire,  his  body  was 
swollen  with  venom,  he  vibrated  a  triple  tongue,  and  showed  a 
triple  row  of  teeth.  No  sooner  had  the  Tyrians  ^  dipped  their 
pitchers  in  the  fountain,  and  the  ingushing  waters  made  a 
sound,  than  the  glittering  serpent  raised  his  head  out  of  the 
cave  and  uttered  a  fearful  hiss.  The  vessels  fell  from  their 
hands,  the  blood  left  their  cheeks,  they  trembled  in  every  limb. 
The  serpent,  twisting  his  scaly  body  in  a  huge  coil,  raised  his 
head  so  as  to  overtoji  the  tallest  trees,  and  while  the  Tyrians 
from  terror  could  neither  fight  nor  fly,  slew  some  with  his 
fangs,  others  in  his  folds,  and  others  with  his  poisonous 
breath. 

Cadmus  having  waited  for  the  return  of  his  men  till  middaj', 
Avent  in  search  of  them.  His  covering  was  a  lion's  hide,  and 
besides  his  javelin  he  carried  in  his  hand  a  lance,  and  in  his 
breast  a  bold  heart,  a  surer  reliance  than -either.  When  he 
entered  the  wood,  and  saw  the  lifeless  bodies  of  his  men,  and 
the  monster  with  his  bloody  jaws,  he  exclaimed,  "  O  faithful 
friends,  I  will  avenge  you,  or  share  your  death."  So  saying- 
he  lifted  a  huge  stone  and  threw  it  with  all  his  force  at  the 
serpent.  Such  a  block  would  have  shaken  the  wall  of  a  for- 
tress, but  it  made  no  impression  on  the  monster.  Cadmus  next 
threw  his  javelin,  which  met  with  better  success,  for  it  pene- 
trated the  serpent's  scales,  and  pierced  through  to  his  entrails. 
Fierce  with  pain  the  monster  turned  back  his  head  to  view  the 
wound,  and  attempted  to  draw  out  the  weapon  with  his  mouth, 
but  broke  it  off,  leaving  the  iron  point  rankling  in  his  flesh. 
His  neck  swelled  with  rage,  bloody  foam  covered  his  jaws,  and 
the  breath  of  his  nostrils  poisoned  the  air  around.  Now  he 
twisted  himself  into  a  circle,  then  stretched  himself  out  on  the 
ground  like  the  trunk  of  a  fallen  tree.  As  he  moved  onward, 
Cadmus  retreated  before  him,  holding  his  spear  opposite  to  the 

1  Cadmus  and.his  companions  came  from  Tyre,  the  chief  city  of  Phoenicia. 


110  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

monster's  opened  jaAvs.  The  serpent  snaj^ped  at  the  weapon 
and  attempted  to  bite  its  iron  point.  At  last  Cadmus,  watch- 
ing his  chance,  thrust  the  spear  at  a  moment  when  the  animal's 
liead  thrown  back  came  against  the  trunk  of  a  tree,  and  so 
succeeded  in  pinning  him  to  its  side.  His  weight  bent  the 
tree  as  he  struggled  in  the  agonies  of  death. 

While  Cadmus  stood  over  his  conquei-ed  foe,  contemplating 
its  vast  size,  a  A^oice  was  heard  (from  whence  he  knew  not,  but 
he  heard  it  distinctly),  commanding  him  to  take  the  dragon's 
teeth  and  sow  them  in  the  earth.  He  obeyed.  He  made  a 
furrow  in  the  ground,  and  planted  the  teeth,  destined  to  pro- 
duce a  crop  of  men.  Scarce  had  he  done  so  Avhen  the  clods 
began  to  move,  and  the  points  of  spears  to  appear  above  the 
surface.  Next  helmets,  with  their  nodding  plumes,  came  up, 
and  next,  the  shoulders  and  breasts  and  limbs  of  men  with 
weapons,  and  in  time  a  harvest  of  armed  warriors.  Cadmus, 
alarmed,  prepared  to  encounter  a  new  enemy,  but  one  of  them 
said  to  him,  "  Meddle  not  with  our  civil  war."  With  that  he 
who  had  spoken  smote  one  of  his  earth-born  brothers  with  a 
sword,  and  he  himself  fell  pierced  with  an  arrow  from  another. 
The  latter  fell  victim  to  a  fourth,  and  in  like  manner  the  whole 
crowd  dealt  with  each  other  till  all  fell  slain  with  mutual 
wounds  excejrt  five  survivors.  One  of  these  cast  away  his 
weapons  and  said,  "Brothers,  let  us  live  in  peace!"  These 
five  joined  with  Cadmus  in  building  his  city,  to  which  they 
gave  the  name  of  Thebes. 

Cadmus  obtained  in  marriage  Harmonia,  the  daughter  of 
Venus.  The  gods  left  Olympus  to  honor  the  occasion  with 
their  presence,  and  Vulcan  presented  the  bride  with  a  necklace 
of  surpassing  brilliancy,  his  own  workmanship.  But  a  fatality 
hung  over  the  family  of  Cadmus  in  consequence  of  his  killing 
the  serpent  sacred  to  Mars.  Semele  and  Ino,  his  daughters, 
and  Actseon  and  Pentheus,  his  grandchildren,  all  perished 
unhappily ;  and  Cadmus  and  Harmonia  quitted  Thebes,  now 
grown  odious  to  them,  and  emigrated  to  the  country  of  the 
Enchelians,  who  received  them  with  honor  and  made  Cadmus 
their  king.  But  the  misfortunes  of  their  children  still  weighed 
upon  their  minds  ;  and  one  day  Cadmus  exclaimed,  "  If  a  ser- 


CADMUS.  Ill 

pent's  life  is  so  dear  to  the  gods,  I  would  I  were  myself  a 
serpent."  No  sooner  had  he  uttered  the  words  than  he  began 
to  change  his  form.  Harmonia  beheld  it,  and  prayed  to  the 
gods  to  let  her  share  his  fate.  Both  became  serpents.  They 
live  in  the  woods,  but  mindful  of  their  origin,  they  neither 
avoid  the  jjresence  of  man  nor  do  they  ever  injure  any  one. 

There  is  a  tradition  that  Cadmus  introduced  into  Greece  the 
letters  of  the  alphabet  which  were  invented  by  the  Phoenicians. 
This  is  alluded  to  by  Byron,  where,  addressing  the  modei-n 
Greeks,  he  says :  — 

"  You  have  the  letters  Cadmus  gave, 
Think  you  he  meant  them  for  a  slave  ? " 

Milton,  describing  the  serpent  which  tempted  Eve,  is  re- 
minded of  the  serpents  of  the  classical  stories,  and  says,  — 

" pleasing  was  his  shape, 

And  lovely  :  never  since  of  serpent  kind 
Lovelier ;  not  those  that  in  Illyria  changed 
Hcrmione  and  Cadmus,  nor  the  god 
In  Epidaurus." 

The  "god  in  Epidaurus "  was  ^sculapius.  Serpents  were 
held  sacred  to  him.     See  page  365. 


The  Myrmidons. 

The  Myrmidons  were  the  soldiers  of  Achilles  in  the  Trojan 
war.  From  them  all  zealous  and  unscrupulous  followers  of  a 
political  chief  are  called  by  that  name  down  to  this  day.  But 
the  origin  of  the  Myrmidons  would  not  give  one  the  idea  of  a 
fierce  and  bloody  race,  but  rather  of  a  laborious  and  peaceful 
one. 

Cephalus,  king  of  Athens,  arrived  in  the  island  of  ^gina  to 
seek  assistance  of  his  old  friend  and  ally  ^acus,  the  king,  in 
his  wars  with  Minos,  king  of  Crete.  Cephalus  was  kindly 
received,  and  the  desired  assistance  readily  promised.  "  I 
have   people    enough,"  said  Ji^acus,  "  to  protect  myself  and 


112  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

sj^are  you  such  a  force  as  you  need."  "  I  rejoice  to  see  it,'* 
reiDliecl  Cephalus,  "  and  my  wonder  has  been  raised,  I  con- 
fess, to  find  such  a  host  of  youths  as  I  see  around  me,  all 
apjDarently  of  about  the  same  age.  Yet  there  are  many  indi- 
viduals whom  I  231'eviously  kncAv  that  I  look  for  now  in  vain. 
What  has  become  of  them?"  uEacus  groaned,  and  re^Dlied 
"with  a  voice  of  sadness,  "  I  have  been  intending  to  tell  you, 
and  will  now  do  so  without  more  delay,  that  you  may  see  how 
from  the  saddest  beginning  a  happy  result  sometimes  flows. 
Those  whom  you  formerly  knew  are  now  dust  and  ashes  !  A 
plague  sent  by  angry  Juno  devastated  the  land.  She  hated  it 
because  it  bore  the  name  of  one  of  her  husband's  female  favor- 
ites. While  the  disease  appeared  to  spring  from  natural  causes 
we  resisted  it  as  Ave  best  might  by  natural  remedies  ;  but  it  soon 
appeared  that  the  pestilence  was  too  powerful  for  our  efforts, 
and  we  yielded.  At  the  beginning  the  sky  seemed  to  settle 
down  upon  the  earth,  and  thick  clouds  shut  in  the  heated  air. 
For  four  months  together  a  deadly  south  wind  prevailed.  The 
disorder  affected  the  Avells  and  springs  ;  thousands  of  snakes 
crept  over  the  land  and  shed  their  poison  in  the  fountains. 
The  force  of  the  disease  was  first  spent  on  the  lower  animals ; 
dogs,  cattle,  sheep,  and  birds.  The  luckless  ploughman  won- 
dered to  see  his  oxen  fall  in  the  midst  of  their  work,  and  lie 
helpless  in  the  unfinished  furroAV.  The  avooI  fell  from  the 
bleating  sheep,  and  their  bodies  pined  aAvay.  The  horse,  once 
foremost  in  the  race,  contested  the  palm  no  more,  but  groaned 
at  his  stall,  and  died  an  inglorious  death.  The  AAdld  boar  for- 
got his  rage,  the  stag  his  SAA'iftness,  the  bears  no  longer  attacked 
the  herds.  EA^ery  thing  languished ;  dead  bodies  lay  in  the 
roads,  the  fields,  and  the  Avoods ;  the  air  Avas  poisoned  by 
them.  I  tell  you  Avhat  is  hardly  credible,  but  neither  dogs  nor 
birds  Avould  touch  them,  nor  starving  Avolves.  Their  decay 
spread  the  infection.  Next  the  disease  attacked  the  country 
people,  and  then  the  dAvellers  in  the  city.  At  first  the  cheek 
Avas  flushed,  and  the  breath  draAvn  Avith  difiiculty.  The  tongue 
grcAV  rough  and  swelled,  and  the  dry  mouth  stood  open  Avith  its 
veins  enlarged  and  gasped  for  the  air.  Men  could  not  bear 
the  heat  of  their  clothes  or  their  beds,  but  preferred  to  lie  on 


THE    MYRMIDONS.  113 

the  bare  ground ;  and  the  ground  did  not'  cool  them,  but  on 
the  contrary,  they  heated  the  spot  where  they  lay.  Nor  could 
the  jDhysicians  help,  for  the  disease  attacked  them  also,  and  the 
contact  of  the  sick  gave  them  infection,  so  that  the  most  faith- 
ful were  the  first  victims.  At  last  all  hope  of  relief  vanished, 
and  men  learned  to  look  upon  death  as  the  only  deliverer  from 
disease.  Then  they  gave  way  to  every  inclination,  and  cared  not 
to  ask  what  was  expedient,  for  nothing  was  expedient.  All  re- 
straint laid  aside,  they  crowded  around  the  wells  and  fountains, 
and  drank  till  they  died,  without  quenching  thirst.  Many  had 
not  strength  to  get  away  from  the  water,  but  died  in  the  midst 
of  the  stream,  and  others  would  drink  of  it  notAnthstanding. 
Such  was  their  weariness  of  their  sick-beds  that  some  would 
creep  forth,  and  if  not  strong  enough  to  stand,  would  die  on  the 
ground.  They  seemed  to  hate  their  friends,  and  got  away  from 
their  homes,  as  if,  not  knowing  the  cause  of  their  sickness, 
they  charged  it  on  the  place  of  their  abode.  Some  were  seen 
tottering  along  the  road,  as  long  as  they  could  stand,  while 
others  sank  on  the  earth,  and  turned  their  dying  eyes  around 
to  take  a  last  look,  then  closed  them  in  death. 

"  What  heart  had  I  left  me,  during  all  this,  or  what  ought 
I  to  have  had,  except  to  hate  life  and  Avish  to  be  with  my  dead 
subjects  ?  On  all  sides  lay  my  people  strewn  like  over-ripened 
apples  beneath  the  tree,  or  acorns  under  the  storm-shaken  oak. 
You  see  yonder  a  temple  on  the  height.  It  is  sacred  to  Jupiter. 
Oh,  how  many  offered  prayers  there ;  husbands  for  wives,  fathers 
for  sons,  and  died  in  the  very  act  of  supplication !  How  often, 
while  the  priest  made  ready  for  sacrifice,  the  victim  fell,  struck 
down  by  disease  without  waiting  for  the  blow.  At  length  all 
reverence  for  sacred  things  was  lost.  Bodies  were  thrown  out 
unburied,  wood  was  wanting  for  funeral  piles,  men  fought  with 
one  another  for  the  possession  of  them.  Finally  there  were 
none  left  to  mourn ;  sons  and  husbands,  old  men  and  youths, 
perished  alike  unlamented. 

"  Standing  before  the  altar  I  raised  my  eyes  to  heaven. 
'  Oh,  Jupiter,'  I  said,  '  if  thou  art  indeed  my  father,  and  art 
not  ashamed  of  thy  offspring,  give  me  back  my  people,  or  take 


114  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

'  I  accept  the  omen,'  I  cried ;  '  oh,  may  it  be  a  sign  of  a  favor- 
able disposition  towards  me  ! '  By  chance  there  grew  by  the 
place  where  I  stood  an  oak  with  wide-spreading  branches, 
sacred  to  Jupiter,  I  observed  a  troop  of  ants  busy  with  their 
labor,  carrying  minute  grains  in  their  mouths  and  following 
one  another  in  a  line  up  the  trunk  of  the  tree.  Observing  their 
numbers  with  admiration,  I  said,  '  Give  me,  oh  father,  citizens 
as  numerous  as  these,  and  replenish  my  empty  city.'  The  tree 
shook  and  gave  a  rustling  sound  with  its  branches  though  no 
wind  agitated  them.  I  trembled  in  every  limb,  yet  I  kissed 
the  earth  and  the  tree.  I  would  not  confess  to  myself  that  I 
hoped,  yet  1  did  hope.  Night  came  on  and  sleep  took  pos- 
session of  my  frame  oppressed  with  cares.  The  tree  stood 
before  me  in  my  dreams,  with  its  numerous  branches  all  cov- 
ered with  living,  moving  creatures.  It  seemed  to  shake  its 
limbs  and  throw  down  over  the  ground  a  multitude  of  those 
industrious  grain-gathering  animals,  which  appeared  to  gain  in 
size,  and  grow  larger,  and  by-and-by  to  stand  erect,  lay  aside 
their  superfluous  legs  and  their  black  color,  and  finally  to  as- 
sume the  human  form.  Then  I  awoke,  and  my  first  impulse 
was  to  chide  the  gods  who  had  robbed  me  of  a  sweet  vision 
and  given  me  no  reality  in  its  place.  Being  still  in  the  temple 
my  attention  was  caught  by  the  sound  of  many  voices  without ; 
a  sound  of  late  unusual  to  my  ears.  While  I  began  to  think  I 
was  yet  dreaming,  Telamon,  my  son,  throwing  open  the  temple- 
gates,  exclaimed,  '  Father,  approach,  and  behold  things  sur- 
passing even  your  hopes  ! '  I  went  forth ;  I  saw  a  multitude 
of  men,  such  as  I  had  seen  in  my  dream,  and  they  were  passing 
in  procession  in  the  same  manner.  While  I  gazed  with  wonder 
and  delight  they  approached,  and  kneeling,  hailed  me  as  their 
king.  I  paid  my  vows  to-  Jove,  and  proceeded  to  allot  the 
vacant  city  to  the  new-born  race,  and  to  parcel  out  the  fields 
among  them.  I  called  them  Myrniidons  from  the  ant  (myr- 
mex),  from  which  they  sprang.  You  have  seen  these  persons ; 
their  dispositions  resemble  those  which  they  had  in  their 
former  sha]ie.  They  are  a  diligent  and  industrious  race,  enger 
to  gain,  and  tenacious  of  their  gains.     Among  them  you  may 


THE    MYRMIDONS.  115 

recruit  your  forces.    They  will  follow  you  to  the  war,  young  in 
years  and  bold  in  heart." 

This  description  of  the  jilague  is  cojiied  by  Ovid  from  the 
account  which  Thucydides,  the  Greek  historian,  gives  of  the 
l^lague  of  Athens.  The  historian  drew  from  life,  and  all 
the  poets  and  writers  of  fiction  since  his  day,  when  they  have 
had  occasion  to  describe  a  similar  scene,  have  borrowed  their 
details  from  him. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

NISUS  AND  SCYLLA.  —  ECHO   AND  NARCISSUS. —CLYTIE. 
HERO  AND   LEANDER. 


MINOS,  king  of  Crete,  made  Avar  upon  Megara.  Nisus  was 
king  of  Megara,  and  Scylla  was  liis  daugliter.  The  siege 
had  now  lasted  six  months,  and  the  city  still  held  out,  for  it  was 
decreed  by  fate  that  it  should  not  be  taken  so  long  as  a  certain 
purple  lock,  which  glittered  among  tlie  hair  of  King  Nisus, 
remained  on  his  head.  There  was  a  tower  on  the  city  walls, 
which  overlooked  the  plain  where  Minos  and  his  army  were 
encamped.  To  this  tower  Scylla  used  to  repair,  and  look 
abroad  over  the  tents  of  the  hostile  army.  The  siege  had 
lasted  so  long  that  she  had  learned  to  distinguish  the  persons 
of  the  leaders.  Minos,  in  particular,  excited  her  admiration. 
She  admired  his  graceful  deportment ;  if  he  threw  his  javelin, 
skill  seemed  combined  with  force  in  the  discharge ;  if  he  drew 
his  bow,  Apollo  himself  could  not  have  done  it  more  grace- 
fully. But  when  he  laid  aside  his  helmet,  and  in  his  purple 
robes  bestrode  his  white  horse  with  its  gay  caparisons,  and 
reined  in  its  foaming  mouth,  the  daughter  of  Nisus  was  hardly 
mistress  of  herself;  she  was  almost  frantic  with  admiration. 
She  envied  the  weapon  that  he  grasped,  the  reins  that  he  held. 
She  felt  as  if  she  could,  if  it  were  possible,  go  to  him  through 

(116) 


NISUS    AND    SCYLLA.  117 

the  hostile  ranks;  she  felt  an  impulse  to  cast  herself  down 
from  the  tower  into  the  midst  of  his  camp,  or  to  open  the  gates 
to  him,  or  to  do  anything  else,  so  only  it  might  gratify  Minos. 
As  she  sat  in  the  tower,  she  talked  thus  with  herself :  "  I 
know  not  whether  to  rejoice  or  grieve  at  this  sad  war. 
I  grieve  that  Minos  is  our  enemy ;  but  I  rejoice  at  any  cause 
that  brings  him  to  my  sight.  Perhaps  he  would  be  willing  to 
grant  us  peace,  and  receive  me  as  a  hostage.  I  would  fly 
down,  if  I  could,  and  alight  in  his  camp,  and  tell  him  that  we 
yield  ourselves  to  his  mercy.  But,  then,  to  betray  my  father  ! 
No !  rather  would  I  never  see  Minos  again.  And  yet  no  doubt 
it  is  sometimes  the  best  thing  for  a  city  to  be  conquered  when 
the  conqueror  is  clement  and  generous,  Minos  certainly  has 
right  on  his  side.  I  think  we  shall  be  conquered  ;  and  if  that 
must  be  the  end  of  it,  why  should  not  love  unbar  the  gates  to 
him,  instead  of  leaving  it  to  be  done  by  war  ?  Better  spare 
delay  and  slaughter  if  Ave  can.  And,  oh,  if  any  one  should 
wound  or  kill  Minos !  No  one  surely  Avould  have  the  heart  to 
do  it ;  yet  ignorantly,  not  knowing  him,  one  might.  I  Avill, 
I  will  surrender  myself  to  him,  Avith  my  country  as  a  doAvry, 
and  so  jDut  an  end  to  the  Avar.  But  hoAv  ?  The  gates  are 
guarded,  and  my  father  keeps  the  keys  ;  he  only  stands  in  my 
Avay.  Oh,  that  it  might  please  the  gods  to  take  him  aAvay ! 
But  Avhy  ask  the  gods  to  do  it  ?  Another  Avoman,  loving  as  I 
do,  Avould  remove  Avith  her  own  hands  whatever  stood  in  the 
Avay  of  her  love.  And  can  any  other  Avoman  dare  more  than  I? 
I  would  encounter  fire  and  sAvord  to  gain  my  object ;  but  here 
there  is  no  need  of  fire  and  sword,  I  only  need  my  father's 
purple  lock.  More  precious  than  gold  to  me,  that  Avill  giA'e  me 
all  I  wish." 

While  she  thus  reasoned  night  came  on,  and  soon  the  whole 
palace  was  buried  in  sleep.  She  entered  her  father's  bed- 
chamber and  cut  off  the  fatal  lock ;  then  passed  out  of  the  city 
and  entered  the  enemy's  camp.  She  demanded  to  be  led  to  the 
king,  and  thus  addressed  him :  "  I  am  Scylla,  the  daughter  of 
Nisus.  I  surrender  to  you  my  country  and  my  father's  house. 
I  ask  no  reward  but  yourself ;  for  love  of  you  I  have  done  it. 
See  here  the  purple  lock  !    With  this  I  give  you  my  father  and 


118  STOEIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

his  kingdom."  She  held  out  her  hand  with  the  fatal  spoil. 
Minos  shrunk  back  and  refused  to  touch  it.  "  The  gods  destroy 
thee,  infamous  woman,"  he  exclaimed  ;  "  disgrace  of  our  time  I 
May  neither  earth  nor  sea  yield  thee  a  resting-place !  Surely, 
my  Crete,  where  Jove  himself  was  cradled,  shall  not  be  pol- 
luted with  such  a  monster !  "  Thus  he  said,  and  gave  orders 
that  equitable  terms  should  be  allowed  to  the  conquered  city, 
and  that  the  fleet  should  immediately  sail  from  the  island. 

Scylla  was  frantic.  "Ungrateful  man,"  she  exclaimed,  "is 
it  thus  you  leave  me '?  —  me  who  have  given  you  victory,  — 
who  have  sacrificed  for  you  parent  and  country  !  I  am  guilty, 
I  confess,  and  deserve  to  die,  but  not  by  your  hand."  As  the 
ships  left  the  shore,  she  leaped  into  the  water,  and  seizing  the 
rudder  of  the  one  which  carried  Minos,  she  was  borne  along  an 
unwelcome  companion  of  their  course.  A  sea-eagle  soaring 
aloft,  —  it  was  her  father  who  had  been  changed  into  that 
form,  —  seeing  her,  povmced  down  upon  her,  and  struck  her 
with  his  beak  and  claws.  In  terror  she  let  go  the  shijD,  and 
Avould  have  fallen  into  the  water,  but  some  pitying  deity 
changed  her  into  a  bird.  The  sea-eagle  still  cherishes  the  old 
animosity  ;  and  Avhenever  he  espies  her  in  his  lofty  flight,  you 
may  see  him  dart  down  upon  her,  with  beak  and  claws,  to  take 
vengeance  for  the  ancient  crime. 


Echo  and  Narcissus. 

Echo  was  a  beautiful  nymph,  fond  of  the  woods  and  hills, 
where  she  devoted  herself  to  Avoodland  sports.  She  Avas  a 
favorite  of  Diana,  and  attended  her  in  the  chase.  But  Echo 
had  one  failing;  she  was  fond  of  talking,  and  whether  in  chat 
or  argument  would  have  the  last  word.  One  day  Juno  was 
seeking  her  husband,  who,  she  had  reason  to  fear,  was  amusing 
himself  among  the  nymphs.  Echo  by  her  talk  contrived  to 
detain  the  goddess  till  the  nymphs  made  their  escape.  When 
Juno  discovered  it,  she  passed  sentence  upon  Echo  in  these 
words:  "You  shall  forfeit  the  use  of  that  tongue  with  which 
you  have  cheated  me,  except  for  that  one  jjurpose  you  are  so 


ECHO    AND    NARCISSUS. 


119 


fond  of  —  reply.  You  shall  still  have  the  last  ■word,  but  no 
power  to  speak  first." 

This  nymph  saw  Narcissus,  a  beautiful  youth,  as  he  pursued 
the  chase  upon  the  mountains.  She  loved  him,  and  followed  his 
footsteps.  Oh,  how  she  longed  to  address  him  in  the  softest  ac- 
cents, and  win  him  to  converse, 
but  it  was  not  in  her  power. 
She  waited  with  impatience  for 
him  to  speak  first,  and  had  her 
answer  ready.  One  day  the 
youth,  being  separated  from  his 
companions,  shouted  aloud, 
"Who's  here?"  Echo  replied, 
"Here."  Narcissus  looked 
around,  but  seeing  no  one,  called 
out,  "  Come."  Echo  answered, 
"  Come."  As  no  one  came.  Nar- 
cissus called  again,  "  Why  do 
you  shun  me?"  Echo  asked  the 
same  question.  "  Let  us  join  one 
another,"  said  the  youth.  The 
maid  answered  with  all  her 
heart  in  the  same  words,  and 
hastened  to  the  spot,  ready  to 
throw  her  arms  about  his  neck. 
He  started  back,  exclaiming, 
"Hands  off!  I  would  rather  die 
than  you  should  have  me." 
"Have    me,"  said   she;    but    it 

was  all  in  vain.  He  left  her,  and  she  went  to  hide  her  blushes 
in  the  recesses  of  the  woods.  From  that  time  forth  she  lived  in 
caves  and  among  mountain  cliffs.  Her  form  faded  with  gi'ief, 
till  at  last  all  her  flesh  shrank  a^^^ay.  Her  bones  were  changed 
into  rocks,  and  there  was  nothing  left  of  her  but  her  voice. 
With  that  she  is  still  ready  to  reply  to  any  one  who  calls  her, 
and  keeps  up  her  old  habit  of  having  the  last  word. 

Narcissus  was  cruel    not   in   this  case  alone.     He  shunned 
all  the  rest  of  the  nymphs  as  he  had  done  poor  Echo.     One 


120  STOKIE8    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

day  a  maiden,  who  had  in  vain  endeavored  to  attract  him, 
uttered  a  prayer  that  he  might  some  time  or  other  feel  what  it 
was  to  love  and  meet  no  return  of  affection.  The  avenging 
goddess  heard  and  granted  the  prayer. 

Tliere  was  a  clear  fountain,  with  water  like  silver,  to  which 
the  shepherds  never  drove  their  flocks.  Nor  did  the  mountain 
goats  resort  to  it,  nor  any  of  the  beasts  of  the  forest ;  neither 
was  it  defaced  with  fallen  leaves  or  branches ;  but  the  grass 
grew  fresh  around  it,  and  the  rocks  sheltered  it  from  the  sun. 
Hither  came  one  day  the  youth  fatigued  Avith  hunting,  heated 
and  thirsty.  He  stooped  down  to  drink,  and  saw  his  own 
image  in  the  Avater ;  he  thought  it  was  some  beautiful  water- 
spirit  living  in  the  fountain.  He  stood  gazing  with  admiration 
at  those  bright  eyes,  those  locks  curled  like  the  locks  of 
Bacchus  or  Apollo,  the  rounded  cheeks,  the  ivory  neck,  the 
parted  lips,  and  the  glow  of  health  and  exercise  over  all.  He 
fell  in  love  with  himself.  He  brought  his  lips  near  to  take  a 
kiss  ;  he  plunged  his  arras  in  to  embrace  the  beloved  object. 
It  fled  at  the  touch,  but  returned  again  after  a  moment  and 
renewed  the  fascination.  He  eould  not  tear  himself  away  ;  he 
lost  all  thought  of  food  or  rest,  Avhile  he  hovered  over  the 
brink  of  the  fountain  gazing  upon  his  own  image.  He  talked 
with  the  supposed  spirit :  "  Why,  beautiful  being,  do  you  slmn 
me  ?  Surely  my  face  is  not  one  to  repel  you.  The  nymphs 
love  me,  and  you  yourself  look  not  indifferent  upon  me.  When 
I  stretch  forth  my  arms  you  do  the  same ;  and  you  smile  upon 
me  and  answer  my  beckonings  with  the  like."  His  tears  fell 
into  the  Avater  and  disturbed  the  image.  As  he  saAV  it  depart, 
he  exclaimed,  "  Stay,  I  entreat  you !  Let  me  at  least  gaze 
upon  you,  if  I  may  not  touch  you."  With  this,  and  much 
more  of  the  same  kind,  he  cherished  the  flame  that  consumed 
him,  so  that  by  degrees  he  lost  his  coloi",  his  vigor,  and  the 
beauty  Avhicli  formerly  had  so  charmed  the  nymph  Echo.  She 
kejDt  near  him,  however,  and  Avhen  he  exclaimed,  "Alas!  alas!" 
she  ansAvered  him  Avith  the  same  Avords.  He  pined  aAvay  and 
died  ;  and  when  his  shade  passed  the  Stygian  river,  it  leaned 
OA'er  the  boat  to  catch  a  look  of  itself  in  the  Avaters.  Tlie 
nymphs  mourned  for  him,  especially  the  Avater-nymphs  ;  and 


ECHO    AND    NARCISSUS. 


121 


when  they  smote  their  breasts,  Echo  smote  hers  also.  They 
prepared  a  funeral  pile,  and  would  have  burned  the  body,  but 
it  was  nowhere  to  be  found ;  but  in  its  place  a  flower,  jDurple 
within,  and  surrounded  Avith  white  leaves,  which  bears  the 
name  and  preserves  the  memory  of  Narcissus. 


Milton  alludes  to  the  story  of  Echo  and  Narcissus  in  the 
Lady's  song  in  Comus.  She  is  seeking  her  brothers  in  the 
forest,  and  sings  to  attract  their  attention. 


Sweet  Echo,  sweetest  nymph,  that  liv'st  unseen 
Within  thy  aeiy  shell 
By  slow  Meander's  margent  green. 
And  in  the  violet-embroidered  vale. 
Where  the  love-lorn  nightingale 
Nightly  to  thee  her  sad  song  mourneth  well ; 
Canst  thou  not  tell  me  of  a  gentle  pair 
That  likest  thj'  Narcissus  are  ? 

Oh,  if  thou  have 
Hid  them  in  some  flowerv  cave. 


122  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Tell  me  but  where, 
Sweet  queen  of  parly,  daur;liter  of  the  sphere, 
So  may'st  thou  be  translated  to  the  skies, 
And  give  resounding  grace  to  all  heaven's  harmonies." 

Milton  has  imitated  the  story  of  Narcissus  in  the  account 
which  he  makes  Eve  give  of  the  first  sight  of  herself  reflected 
in  the  fountain  :  — 

•'  That  day  I  oft  remember  when  from  sleep 
I  first  awaked,  and  found  myself  reposcil 
Under  a  shade  on  flowers,  much  wondering  where 
And  what  I  was,  whence  thither  brought,  and  how. 
Not  distant  far  from  thence  a  murmuring  sound 
Of  waters  issued  from  a  cave,  and  spread 
Into  a  liquid  plain,  then  stood  unmoved 
Pure  as  the  expanse  of  heaven;  I  thither  went 
With  unexperienced  thought,  and  laid  me  down 
On  the  green  bank,  to  look  into  the  clear 
Smooth  lake  that  to  me  seemed  another  sky. 
As  I  bent  down  to  look,  just  opposite 
A  shape  within  the  watery  gleam  appeared. 
Bending  to  look  on  me.     I  started  back ; 
It  started  back;  but  pleased  I  soon  returned. 
Pleased  it  returned  as  soon  Avith  answering  looks 
Of  sympathy  and  love.     There  had  I  fixed 
Mine  eyes  till  now,  and  pined  with  vain  desire. 
Had  not  a  voice  thus  warned  me  :  '  What  thou  scest, 
What  there  thou  seest,  fair  creature,  is  thyself.'  " 

Paradise  Lost,  Book  IV. 

The  fable  of  Narcissus  is  often  alluded  to  by  the  poets.  Here 
are  two  epigrams  which  treat  it  in  different  ways.  The  first 
is  by  Goldsmith :  — 

"  On  a  Beautiful  Youth,  struck  blind  by  Lightning. 
"  Sure  'twas  by  Providence  designed, 
Rather  in  pity  than  in  hate, 
That  he  should  be  like  Cupid  blind, 
To  save  him  from  Narcissus'  fate." 

The  other  is  by  Cow])er  :  — 

"  On  an  Ugly  Fellow. 
"  Beware,  mj'  friend,  of  crystal  brook 
Or  fountain,  lest  that  hideous  hook, 

Thj'  nose,  thou  chance  to  see ; 
Narcissus'  fate  would  .then  be  thine. 
And  self-detested  thou  would'st  pine, 
As  self-enamored  he." 


123 


Clytie. 

Clytie  was  a  water-nymph  and  in  love  with  Aj^ollo,  who 
made  her  no  return.  So  she  joined  away,  sitting  all  day  long 
upon  the  cold  ground,  Avitli  her  unbound  tresses  streaming 
over  her  shoulders.  Nine  days  she  sat  and  tasted  neither  food 
nor  drink,  her  own  tears  and  the  chilly  dew  her  only  food. 
She  gazed  on  the  sun  when  he  rose,  and  as  he  passed  through 
his  daily  course  to  his  setting;  she  saw  no  other  object,  her 
face  turned  constantly  on  him.  At  last,  they  say,  her  limbs 
rooted  in  the  ground,  her  face  became  a  suhflower,^  which  turns 
on  its  stem  so  as  always  to  face  the  sun  throughout  its  daily 
course ;  for  it  retains  to  that  extent  the  feeling  of  the  nymph 
from  whom  it  sprang. 

One  of  the  best  known  of  the  marble  busts  discovered  in 
our  own  time,  generally  bears  the  name  of  Clytie.  It  has  been 
very  frequently  copied  in  jjlaster.  It  represents  the  head  of  a 
young  girl  looking  down,  —  the  neck  and  shoulders  being  sup- 
ported in  the  cujd  of  a  large  flower,  —  which  by  a  little  effort 
of  imagination  can  be  made  into  a  giant  sunflower.  The  latest 
supposition,  however,  is  that  this  bust  represented  not  Clytie, 
but  Isis. 


Hood  in  his  Flowers  thus  alludes  to  Clytie  : 


"I  will  not  have  the  mad  Clytie, 

Whose  head  is  tiu-ned  by  the  sun ; 
The  tulip  is  a  courtly  quean, 

Whom  therefore  I  will  shun ; 
The  cowslip  is  a  country  wench, 

The  violet  is  a  nun ;  — 
But  I  will  woo  the  dainty  rose. 

The  queen  of  every  one." 

The  sunflower  is  a  favorite   emblem  of   constancy.     Thus 
Moore  uses  it :  — 

"  The  heart  that  has  truly  loved  never  forgets, 
But  as  truly  loves  on  to  the  close  ; 
As  the  sunflower  turns  on  her  god  when  he  sets 
The  same  look  that  she  turned  when  he  rose." 

1  In  Greek  and  Latin  the  Ilcliotropium. 


124  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

It  is  only  for  convenience  that  the  modern  poets  translate 
the  Latin  word  heliotropiiQn^  by  the  English  sunflower.  The 
sunflower,  Avhich  was  known  to  the  ancients,  was  called  in 
Greek,  helianthos,  from  Helios^  the  sun ;  and  anthos  a  flower, 
and  in  Latin,  helianthus.  It  derives  its  name  from  its  resem- 
blance to  the  sun  ;  but,  as  any  one  may  see,  at  sunset,  it  does 
not  "turn  to  the  God  when  he  sets  the  same  look  that  it 
turned  when  he  rose." 

The  Heliotrope  of  the  fable  of  Clytie  is  called  Turn-sole  in 
old  Englisli  books,  and  such  a  plant  is  known  in  England.  It 
is  not  the  sweet  heliotrope  of  modern  gardens,  which  is  a 
South  American  plant.  The  true  classical  heliotrope  is  prob- 
ably to  be  found  in  the  heliotrope  of  southern  France,  —  a 
weed  not  known  in  America.  Tlie  reader  who  is  curious  may 
examine  the  careful  account  of  it  in  Larousse's  large  dictionary. 

Hero  and  Leander. 

Leander  was  a  youth  of  Abydos,  a  town  of  the  Asian  side  of 
the  strait  which  separates  Asia  and  Europe.  On  the  opposite 
shore  in  the  town  of  Sestos  lived  the  maiden  Hero,  a  priestess 
of  Venus.  Leander  loved  her,  and  used  to  swim  the  strait 
nightly  to  enjoy  the  company  of  his  mistress,  guided  by  a  torch 
which  she  reared  upon  the  tower,  for  the  purpose.  But  one 
night  a  tempest  arose  and  the  sea  was  rough ;  his  strength 
failed,  and  he  was  drowned.  The  waves  bore  his  body  to  the 
European  shore,  where  Hero  became  aware  of  liis  death,  and  in 
her  despair  cast  herself  down  from  the  tower  into  the  sea  and 
perished. 

The  following  sonnet  is  by  Keats  :  — 

"  On  a  Picture  of  Leander. 

"  Come  hither,  all  sweet  maidens,  soberly, 

Down  lookinnr  aye,  and  with  a  cliastcn'd  light, 

Hid  in  the  fringes  of  your  eyelids  white, 
And  meekly  let  your  fair  hands  joined  be, 
As  if  so  gentle  that  yc  could  not  see, 

Untouch'd,  a  victim  of  your  beauty  bright, 

Sinking  away  to  his  young  spirit's  night. 


HERO    AND    LEANDER.  125 

Sinking  bewilder'd  'mid  the  dreary  sea. 
'TJs  young  Leander  toiling  to  his  death. 

Nigh  swooning,  he  doth  purse  his  weary  lips 
For  Hero's  clieek,  and  smiles  against  her  smile. 

Oh,  horrid  dream !  see  how  his  body  dips 
Dead-heavy ;  arms  and  shoulders  gleam  awhile ; 
He's  gone ;  up  bubbles  all  his  amorous  breath !  " 

The  story  of  Leander's  swimming  the  Hellespont  was  looked 
upon  as  fabidous,  and  the  feat  considered  impossible,  till  Lord 
Byron  proved  its  possibility  by  performing  it  himself.  In  the 
Bride  of  Abydos  he  says,  — 

"  These  limbs  that  Inioyant  wave  hath  borne." 

The  distance  in  the  narrowest  jiart  is  almost  a  mile,  and  there 
is  a  constant  current  setting  out  from  the  Sea  of  Marmora  into 
the  Archipelago,  Since  Byron's  time  the  feat  has  been  achieved 
by  others;  but  it  yet  remains  a  test  of  strength  and  skill  in  the 
art  of  swhnming  sufficient  to  give  a  wide  and  lasting  celebrity 
to  any  one  of  our  readers  who  may  dare  to  make  the  attempt 
and  succeed  in  accomplishing  it. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  second  canto  of  the  same  poem, 
Byron  alludes  to  this  story  :  — 

"The  winds  are  high  on  Helle's  wave, 

As  on  that  night  of  stormiest  water, 
When  Love,  who  sent,  forgot  to  save 
The  j'oung,  the  beautiful,  the  brave, 

The  lonely  hope  of  Sestos'  daughter. 
Oh,  when  alone  along  the  sky 
The  turret-torch  was  blazing  high. 
Though  rising  gale  and  breaking  foam. 
And  shrieking  sea-birds  warned  him  home ; 
And  clouds  aloft  and  tides  below, 
With  si^ns  and  sounds  forbade  to  go. 
He  could  not  see,  he  would  not  hear 
Or  sound  or  sight  foreboding  fear. 
His  eye  but  saw  that  light  of  love, 
The  only  star  it  hailed  above ; 
His  ear  but  rang  with  Hero's  song, 
'  Ye  waves,  divide  not  lovers  long.' 
That  tale  is  old,  but  love  anew 
May  nerve  young  hearts  to  prove  as  true." 

The  subject  has  been  a  favorite  one  with  sculptors. 


126  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Schiller  has  made  one  of  his  finest  ballads  from  the  tragic 
fate  of  the  two  lovers.  The  following  verses  are  a  translation 
from  the  latter  part  of  the  ballad :  — 

"  Upon  Hellespont's  broad  currents 
Night  broods  black,  and  rain  in  torrents 

From  the  cloud's  full  bosom  pours  ; 
Lightnings  in  the  sky  are  flashing, 
All  the  storms  below  are  dashing 

On  the  crag-piled  shores. 
Awful  chasms,  gaping  widely. 

Separate  the  mountain  waves  ; 
Ocean  yawning  as  to  open 

Downward  e'en  to  Pluto's  caves." 

After  the  storm  has  arisen,  Hero  sees  the  danger,  and  cries, — 

"  Woe,  ah!  woe  ;  great  Jove  have  pity, 
Listen  to  my  sad  entreaty, 

Yet  for  what  can  Hero  pray  ? 
Should  the  gods  in  pit3'  listen. 
He,  e'en  now  the  false  abyss  in. 

Struggles  with  the  tempest's  spray. 
All  the  birds  that  skim  the  wave 

In  hasty  flight  are  hieing  home; 
To  the  lee  of  safer  haven 

All  the  storm-tossed  vessels  come. 

"  Ah !  I  know  he  laughs  at  danger, 
Dares  again  the  frequent  venture, 

Lured  by  an  almighty  power; 
For  he  swore  it  when  we  parted, 
With  that  vow  which  binds  true-hearted 

Lovers  to  the  latest  hour. 
Yes  !  even  as  this  moment  hastens 

Battles  he  the  wave-crests  rude. 
And  to  their  unfathomed  chasms 

Drags  him  down  the  angry  flood. 

"Pontus  false  !  thy  sunny  smile 
Was  the  lying  traitor's  guile. 

Like  a  mirror  flashing  there  :  — 
All  thy  ripples  gently  playing 
Till  they  triumphed  in  betraying 

Him  into  thy  lying  snare. 
Now  in  thy  mid-current  yonder. 

Onward  still  his  course  he  urges. 
Thou  the  false,  on  him  the  fated 

Pouring  loose  thy  terror-surges." 


HERO    AND    LEANDER. 

Waxes  high  the  tempest's  danger, 
Waves  to  mountains  rise  in  anger, 

Oceans  swell,  and  breakers  dash. 
Foaming,  over  cliifs  of  rock 
Where  even  navies,  stiff  with  oak. 

Could  not  bear  the  crash. 
In  the  gale  her  torch  is  blasted. 

Beacon  of  the  hoped-for  strand  ; 
Horror  broods  above  the  waters,  — 

Horror  broods  above  the  land. 

Prays  she  Vemis  to  assuage 
The  hurricane's  increasing  rage. 

And  to  soothe  the  billows'  scorn. 
And  as  gale  on  gale  arises, 
Vows  to  each  —  as  sacrifices  — 

Spotless  steer  with  gilded  horn. 
To  all  the  goddesses  below. 

To  "  all  the  gods  in  heaven  that  be," 
She  prays  that  oil  of  peace  may  flow 

Softlv  on  the  storm-tossed  sea. 


'  Blest  Leucothea,  befriend  me ! 
From  cerulean  halls  attend  me ; 

Hear  my  prayer  of  agony. 
In  the  ocean  desert's  raving. 
Storm-tossed  seamen,  succor  craving, 

Find  in  thee  their  helper  nigh. 
Wrap  him  in  thy  charmed  veil, 

Secret  spun  and  secret  wove. 
Certain  from  the  deepest  wave 

To  lift  him  to  its  crests  above." 

Now  the  tempests  wild  are  sleeping, 
And  from  the  horizon  creeping 

Rays  of  morning  streak  the  skies, 
Peaceful  as  it  lay  before 
The  placid  sea  reflects  the  shore. 

Skies  kiss  waves  and  waves  the  skies. 
Little  ripples,  lightly  plashing. 

Break  upon  the  rock-bound  strand, 
And  they  trickle,  lightly  playing 

O'er  a  corpse  upon  the  sand. 

Yes,  'tis  he !  although  he  perished. 
Still  his  sacred  troth  he  cherished. 

An  instant's  glance  tells  all  to  her ; 
Not  a  tear  her  eye  lets  slip. 
Not  a  murmur  leaves  her  lip ; 


127 


128  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Down  she  looks  in  cold  despair ; 
Gazes  round  the  desert  sea, 

Trustless  gazes  round  the  sky, 
Flashes  then  of  noble  fire 
s  Through  her  pallid  visage  fly  ! 

*'  Yes,  I  know,  ye  mighty  powers. 
Ye  have  drawn  the  fated  hours 

Pitiless  and  cruel  on. 
Early  full  ray  course  is  over. 
Such  a  course  with  such  a  lover; 

Such  a  share  of  joy  I've  known. 
Venus,  queen,  within  thy  temple. 

Thou  hast  known  me  vowed  as  thine, 
Now  accept  thy  willing  priestess 

As  an  offering  at  thy  shrine."  . 

Downward  then,  while  all  in  vain  her 
Fluttering  robes  would  still  sustain  her, 

Springs  she  into  Pontus'  wave; 
Grasping  him  and  her,  the  god 
Whirls  them  in  his  deepest  flood. 

And,  himself,  becomes  their  grave. 
With  his  prizes  then  contented. 

Peaceful  bids  his  waters  glide. 
From  the  unexhausted  vessels, 

Whence  there  streams  an  endless  tide. 


CHAPTER   IX. 


MINERVA    AND    ARACHNE.  —  NIOBE. 
PERSEUS. 


THE    STORY    OF 


1%  TINERVA,  the  goddess  of  wisdom,  was  the  daiigliter  of 
l^-M-  Jupiter.  She,  they  say,  sprang  forth  from  his  brain  full 
grown  and  clad  in  complete  armor.  She  presided  over  the 
useful  and  ornamental  arts,  both  those  of  men, —  such  as  agri- 
culture and  navigation,  —  and  those  of  women, —  spinning, 
weaving,  and  needle-work.  She  was  also  a  warlike  divinity; 
but  a  lover  of  defensive  war  only.  She  had  no  sympathy  with 
Mars's  savage  love  of  violence  and  bloodshed.  Athens  was  her 
chosen  seat,  her  own  city,  awarded  to  her  as  the  prize  of  a 
contest  with  Neptune,  who  also  aspired  to  it.  The  tale  ran 
that  in  the  reign  of  Cecrops,  the  first  king  of  Athens,  the  two 
deities  contended  for  the  possession  of  the  city.  The  gods 
decreed  that  it  should  be  awarded  to  that  one  who  produced 
the  gift  most  useful  to  mortals.  Neptune  gave  the  horse ; 
Minerva  produced  the  olive.  The  gods  gave  judgment  that 
the  olive  was  the  more  useful  of  the  two,  and  awarded  the 

(129) 


130 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


city  to  the  goddess ;  and  it  was  named  after  her,  Athens,  her 
name  in  Greek  being  Athene, 

In  another  contest,  a  mortal  dared  to  come  in  competition 
with  Minerva.  That  mortal  was  Arachne,  a  maiden  Avho  had 
attained  such  skill  in  the  arts  of  weaving  and  embroidery  that 
the  nymphs  themselves  would  leave  their  groves  and  fountains 


MINERVA. 


to  come  and  gaze  upon  her  Avork.  It  Avas  not  only  beautiful 
when  it  was  done,  but  beautiful  also  in  the  doing.  To  Avatch 
her,  as  she  took  the  wool  in  its  rude  state  and  formed  it  into 
rolls,  or  separated  it  Avith  her  fingers  and  carded  it  till  it 
looked  as  light  and  soft  as  a  cloud,  or  tAvirled  the  spindle  Avith 
skilful  touch,  or  Avove  the  Aveb,  or,  Avhen  Avoven,  adorned  it 
Avith  her  needle,  one  Avould  have  said  that  Minerva  herself  had 
tausfht  her.     But  this  she  denied,  and  could  not  bear  to  be 


MINERVA.  131 

thought  a  puiiil  even  of  a  goddess.  "Let  Minerva  try  her 
skill  Avith  mine,"  said  she  ;  "  if  beaten,  I  will  pay  the  penalty." 
Minerva  heard  this  and  was  displeased.  Assuming  the  form 
of  an  old  Avoman,  she  went  and  gave  Arachne  some  friendly 
advice.  "I  have  had  much  experience,"  said  she,  "and  I  hope 
you  Avill  not  despise  my  counsel.  Challenge  your  fellow- 
mortals  as  you  will,  but  do  not  compete  with  a  goddess.  On 
the  contrary,  I  advise  you  to  ask  her  forgiveness  for  \\;hat  you 
have  said,  and,  as  she  is  merciful,  perhaps  she  will  pardon  you." 
Arachne  stopped  her  spinning,  and  looked  at  the  old  dame' 
with  anger  in  her  countenance.  "  Keep  your  counsel,"  said 
she,  "  for  your  daughters  or  handmaids ;  for  my  part,  I  know 
what  I  say,  and  I  stand  to  it.  I  am  not  afraid  of  the  goddess ; 
let  her  try  her  skill,  if  she  dare  venture."  "  She  comes,"  said 
Minerva;  and,  dropping  her  disguise,  stood  confessed.  The 
nymphs  bent  low  in  homage,  and  all  the  bystanders  paid 
reverence.  Arachne  alone  was  unterrified.  She  blushed, 
indeed ;  a  sudden  color  dyed  her  cheek,  and  then  she  grew 
pale.  But  she  stood  to  her  resolve,  and  with  a  foolish  conceit 
of  her  own  skill  rushed  on  her  fate.  Minerva  forbore  no 
longer,  nor  interposed  any  further  advice.  They  proceed  to 
the  contest.  Each  takes  her  station  and  attaches  the  web  to 
the  beam.  Then  the  slender  shuttle  is  passed  in  and  out 
among  the  threads.  The  reed  with  its  fine  teeth  strikes  up 
the  woof  into  its  place  and  compacts  the  web.  Both  work  Avith 
speed ;  their  skilful  hands  move  rapidly,  and  the  excitement  of 
the  contest  makes  the  labor  light.  Wool  of  Tyrian  dye  is  con- 
trasted with  that  of  other  colors,  shaded  off  into  one  another 
so  adroitly  that  the  joining  deceives  the  eye.  Like  the  bow, 
whose  long  arch  tinges  the  heavens,  formed  by  sunbeams 
reflected  from  the*shoAver,^  in  which,  Avhere  the  colors  meet 
they  seem  as  one,  but  at  a  little  distance  from  the  point  of  con- 
tact are  wholly  different. 

Minerva  Avrought  on  her  web  the  scene  of  her  contest  Avith 
Neptune.  Twelve  of  the  heavenly  poAvers  are  represented, 
Jupiter,  with  august  gravity,  sitting  in  the  midst.  Neptune, 
the  ruler  of  the  sea,  holds  his  trident,  and  appears  to  have  just 

1  This  description  of  the  rainbow  is  literally  translated  from  Ovid. 


132 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


smitten  the  eai'th,  from  which  a  horse  has  leajjed  forth. 
Minerva  depicted  herself  with  hehned  head,  her  iEgis  cover- 
ing her  breast.  Such  was  the  central  circle  ;  and  in  the  four 
corners  were  represented  incidents  illustrating  the  displeasure 
of  the  gods  at  such  presumptuous  mortals  as  had  dared  to  con- 
tend with  them.  These  were  meant  as  Avarnings  to  her  rival 
to  give  up  the  contest  before  it  was  too  late. 

Arachne  filled  her  web  with 
subjects  designedly  chosen  to 
exhibit  the  failings  and  errors 
of  the  gods.  One  scene  rep- 
resented Leda  caressing  the 
swan,  under  which  form  Ju- 
piter had  disguised  himself ; 
and  another,  Danae,  in  the 
brazen  tower  in  which  her 
father  had  imprisoned  her, 
but  where  the  god  effected 
his  entrance  in  the  form  of 
a  shower  of  gold.  Still 
another  depicted  Europa  de- 
ceived by  Jupiter  under  the 
disguise  of  a  bull.  Encour- 
aged by  the  tameness  of  the 
animal,  Europa  ventured  to 
mount  his  back,  whereupon  Jupiter  advanced  into  the  sea,  and 
swam  Avith  her  to  Crete.  You  Avould  have  thought  it  Avas  a 
real  bull,  so  naturally  Avas  it  Avrought,  and  so  natural  Avas  the 
Avater  in  which  it  SAvani.  She  seemed  to  look  Avith  longing 
eyes  back  upon  the  shore  she  Avas  leaving,  and  to  call  to  her 
companions  for  help.  She  appeared  to  shudder  Avith  terror  at 
the  sight  of  the  heaving  Avaves,  and  to  draAV  back  her  feet  from 
the  Avater. 

Arachne  filled  her  canvas  Avith  these  and  like  subjects,  Avon- 
derfully  Avell  done,  but  strongly  marking  her  presumption  and 
impiety.  Minerva  could  not  forbear  to  admire,  yet  felt  indig- 
nant at  the  insult.  She  struck  the  web  Avith  her  shuttle,  and 
rent  it  in  pieces  ;  she  then  touched  the  forehead  of  Arachne^ 


133 


and  made  her  feel  her  guilt  and  shame.  She  could  not  endure 
it,  and  went  and  hanged  herself.  Minerva  pitied  her  as  she 
saw  her  hanging  by  a  rope.  "  Live,  guilty  woman,"  said  she ; 
"and  that  you  may  preserve  the  memory  of  this  lesson,  con- 
tinue to  hang,  you  and  your  descendants,  to  all  future  times." 
She  sprinkled  her  with  the  juices  of  aconite,  and  immediately 
her  hair  came  off,  and  her  nose  and  ears  likewise.     Her  form 

shrank  up,  and  her  head  grew 
smaller  yet ;  her  fingers  grew 
to  her  side,  and  served  for 
legs.  All  the  rest  of  her  is 
body,  out  of  which  she  spins 
her  thread,  often  hanging 
suspended  by  it,  in  the  same 
attitude  as  when  Minerva 
touched  her  and  transformed 
her  into  a  spider. 

Spenser  tells  the  story  of 
Arachne  in  his  Muiopotmos, 
adhering  very  closely  to  his 
master  Ovid,  but  improving 
upon  him  in  the  conclusion 
of  the  story.  The  two  stan- 
zas .  which  follow  tell  what 
was  done  after  the  goddess 
had  depicted  her  creation  of  the  olive  tree  :  — 

"  Amongst  these  leaves  she  made  a  Butterfly, 
Witli  excellent  device  and  wondrous  slight, 
Fluttering  among  the  olives  wantonly, 
That  seemed  to  live,  so  like  it  was  in  sight; 
The  velvet  nap  which  on  his  wings  doth  lie, 
The  silken  down  with  which  his  back  is  dight, 
His  broad  outstretched  horns,  his  hairy  thighs, 
His  glorious  colors,  and  his  glistening  eyes."^ 

"  Which  when  Arachne  saw,  as  overlaid 
And  mastered  with  workmanship  so  rare, 


■"  Sir  James  Mackintosh  says  of  this  :  "  Do  you  think  that  even  a  Chinese  could 
paint  the  gay  colors  of  a  butterfly  with  more  minute  exactness  than  the  Ibllowing 
lines,  —  'The  velvet  nap,  etc'  ? "  Life.—\o\.  II.  246. 


134  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

She  stood  astonished  long,  ne  aught  gainsaid; 
And  with  fast-fixed  eyes  on  her  did  stare, 
And  by  her  silence,  sign  of  one  dismayed, 
The  victory  did  yield  her  as  her  share  : 
Yet  did  she  inly  fret  and  felly  burn, 
And  all  her  blood  to  poisonous  rancor  turn." 

And  so  the  metamorphosis  is  caused  by  Arachne's  own  mor- 
tification   and   vexation,  and   not   by  any  direct   act  of   the 

goddess. 

The   following   specimen    of   old-fashioned   gallantry  is    by 
Garrick :  — 

Upon  a  Lady's  Embroidery. 

"  Ai-achne  once,  as  poets  tell, 
A  goddess  at  her  art  defied. 
And  soon  the  daring  mortal  fell 
The  hapless  victim  of  her  pride. 

"  Oh,  then,  beware  Arachne's  fate  ; 
Be  prudent,  Chloe,  and  submit. 
For  you'll  most  surely  meet  her  hate, 
Who  rival  both  her  art  and  wit." 

Tennyson,  in  his  Palace  of  Art,  describing  the  Avorks  of  art 
with  which  the  palace  was  adorned,  thus  alludes  to  Europa :  — 

" sweet  Europa's  mantle  blew  unclasped 

.  From  off  her  shoulder,  backward  borne. 

From  one  hand  drooped  a  crocus,  one  hand  grasped 
The  mild  bull's  golden  horn." 

In  his  Princess  there  is  this  allusion  to  Danae :  — 

"Now  lies  the  earth  all  Danaii  to  the  stars. 
And  all  thy  heart  lies  open  unto  me." 


NiOBE. 

The  fate  of  Arachne  was  noised  abroad  through  all  the 
country,  and  served  as  a  warning  to  all  presumptuous  mortals 
not  to  compare  themselves  with  the  divinities.  But  one,  and 
she  a  matron  too,  failed  to  learn  the  lesson  of  humility.  It  was 
Niobe,the  queen  of  Thebes.    She  had  indeed  much  to  be  proud 


NIOBE.  135 

of;  but  it  was  not  her  husband's  fame,  nor  her  own  beauty,  nor 
their  great  descent,  nor  the  power  of  their  kingdom  that  elated 
her.  It  was  her  children ;  and  truly  the  happiest  of  mothers 
would  Niobe  have  been,  if  only  she  had  not  claimed  to  be  so. 
It  was  on  occasion  of  the  annual  celebration  in  honor  of  Latona 
and  her  offspring, — Apollo  and  Diana, — when  the  people  of 
Thebes  were  assembled,  their  brows  crowned  with  laurel, 
bearing  frankincense  to  the  altars  and  paying  their  vows,  — 
that  Niobe  appeared  among  the  crowd.  Her  attire  was  splen- 
did with  gold  and  gems,  and  her  face  as  beautiful  as  the  face 
of  an  angry  woman  can  be.  She  stood  and  surveyed  the  people 
with  haughty  looks.  "  What  folly,"  said  she,  "  is  this  !  —  to 
prefer  beings  whom  you  never  saw  to  those  who  stand  before 
your  eyes  !  Why  should  Latona  be  honored  with  worship 
rather  than  I  ?  My  father  was  Tantalus,  who  was  received  as 
a  guest  at  the  table  of  the  gods ;  my  mother  was  a  goddess. 
My  husband  built  and  rules  this  city,  Thebes ;  and  Phrygia  is 
my  paternal  inheritance.  Wherever  I  turn  my  eyes  I  survey 
the  elements  of  my  power  ;  nor  is  my  form  and  presence  un- 
worthy of  a  goddess.  To  all  this  let  me  add,  I  have  seven  sons 
and  seven  daughters,  and  look  for  sons-in-law  and  daughters- 
in-law  of  pretensions  worthy  of  my  alliance.  Have  I  not  cause 
for  pride?  Will  you  prefer  to  me  this  Latona,  the  Titan's 
daughter,  with  her  two  children?  I  have  seven  times  as  many. 
Fortunate  indeed  am  I,  and  fortunate  I  shall  remain  !  Will 
any  one  deny  this  ?  My  abundance  is  my  security.  I  feel  my- 
self too  strong  for  Fortune  to  subdue.  She  may  take  from  me 
much ;  I  shall  still  have  much  left.  Were  I  to  lose  some  of  my 
children,  I  should  hardly  be  left  as  poor  as  Latona  with  her  two 
only.  Away  ■with  you  from  these  solemnities,  —  put  off  the 
laurel  from  your  brows,  —  have  done  with  this  worship  ! "  The 
people  obeyed,  and  left  the  sacred  services  uncompleted. 

The  goddess  was  indignant.  On  top  of  Mount  Cynthus 
where  she  dwelt,  she  thus  addressed  her  son  and  daughter : 
"  My  children,  I  who  have  been  so  proud  of  you  both,  and  have 
been  used  to  hold  myself  second  to  none  of  the  goddesses  except 
Juno  alone,  begin  now  to  doubt  whether  I  am  indeed  a  god- 
dess.    I  shall  be  deprived  of  my  worship  altogether  unless  you 


I'S'O  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

protect  me."  She  was  proceeding  in  this  strain,  but  Apollo 
interrupted  her.  "  Say  no  more,"  said  he;  "speech  only  de- 
lays punishment."  So  said  Diana  also.  Darting  through  the 
air,  veiled  in  clouds,  they  alighted  on  the  towers  of  the  city. 
Spread  out  before  the  gates  was  a  broad  plain,  where  the  youth 
of  the  city  pursued  their  warlike  sports.  The  sons  of  Niobe 
were  there  among  the  rest,  —  some  mounted  on  spirited  horses 
richly  caparisoned,  some  driving  gay  chariots.  Ismenos,  the 
first-born,  as  he  guided  his  foaming  steeds,  struck  with  an 
arrow  from  above,  cried  out,  "Ah,  me!" — dropped  the  reins 
and  fell  lifeless.  Another,  hearing  tlie  sound  of  the  bow,  — 
like  a  boatman  who  sees  the  storm  gathering  and  makes  all  sail 
for  the  port,  —  gave  the  rein  to  his  horses  and  attempted  to 
escape.  The  inevitable  arrow  overtook  him  as  he  fled.  Two 
others,  younger  boys,  just  from  their  tasks,  liad  gone  to  the 
playground  to  have  a  game  of  wrestling.  As  they  stood  breast 
to  breast,  one  arrow  pierced  them  both.  They  uttei-ed  a  cry 
together,  together  cast  a  parting  look  around  them,  and  to- 
gether breathed  their  last.  Alphenor,  an  elder  brother,  seeing 
them  fall,  hastened  to  the  spot  to  render  them  assistance,  and 
fell  stricken  in  the  act  of  brotherly  duty.  One  only  was  left, 
Ilioneus.  He  raised  his  arms  to  heaven  to  try  whether  prayer 
might  not  avail.  "  Spare  me,  ye  gods ! "  he  cried,  addressing 
all,  in  his  ignorance  that  all  needed  not  his  intercession  ;  and 
Apollo  would  have  spared  him,  but  the  arrow  had  already  left 
the  string,  and  it  M^as  too  late. 

The  terror  of  the  people  and  grief  of  the  attendants  soon 
made  Niobe  acquainted  with  what  had  taken  place.  She  could 
hardly  think  it  possible ;  she  was  indignant  that  the  gods  had 
dared  and  amazed  that  they  had  been  able  to  do  it.  Her  hus- 
band, Amphion,  overwhelmed  with  the  blow,  destroyed  him- 
self. Alas !  hoAv  different  Avas  this  Niobe  from  her  who  had 
so  lately  driven  away  the  people  from  the  sacred  rites,  and 
held  her  stately  course  through  the  city,  the  envy  of  her 
friends,  now  the  pity  even  of  her  foes !  She  knelt  over  the 
lifeless  bodies,  and  kissed,  now  one,  now  another  of  her  dead 
sons.  Raising  her  pallid  arms  to  heaven,  "  Cruel  Latona," 
said  she,  "feed  full  your  rage  with  my  anguish!     Satiate  your 


NIOBE. 


137 


hard  heart,  while  I  follow  to  the  grave  my  seven  sons.  Yet 
where  is  your  triumph?  Bereaved  as  I  am,  I  am  still  richer 
than  you,  my  conqueror."  Scarce  had  she  spoken,  when  the 
bow  sounded  and  struck  terror  into  all  hearts  except  Niobe's 


alone.  She  Avas  brave  from  excess  of  grief.  The  sisters  stood 
in  garments  of  mourning  over  the  biers  of  their  dead  brothei's. 
One  fell,  struck  by  an  arrow,  and  died  on  the  corpse  she  was 
bewailing.  Another,  attempting  to  console  her  mother,  sud- 
denly ceased  to  speak,  and  sank  lifeless  to  the  earth.  A  third 
tried  to  escape  by  flight,  a  fourth  by  concealment,  another 
stood  trembling,  uncertain  what  course  to  take.  Six  were  now 
dead,  and  only  one  remained,  whom  the  mother  held  clasped 
ill   her   arms,   and   covered  as  it  were  with  her  Avhole  body. 


138  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

"  Spare  me  one,  and  that  the  youngest !  Oh,  spare  me  one  of 
so  many  !  "  she  cried  ;  and  while  she  spoke,  that  one  fell  dead. 
Desolate  she  sat,  among  sons,  daughters,  husband,  all  dead, 
and  seemed  torpid  with  grief.  The  breeze  moved  not  her 
hair,  no  color  was  on  her  cheek,  her  eyes  glared  fixed  and  im- 
movable, there  was  no  sign  of  life  about  her.  Her  very  tongue 
clave  to  the  roof  of  her  mouth,  and  her  veins  ceased  to  convey 
the  tide  of  life.  Her  neck  bent  not,  her  arms  made  no  ges- 
ture, her  foot  no  step.  She  was  changed  to  stone,  within  and 
without.  Yet  tears  continued  to  flow ;  and,  borne  on  a  whirl- 
wind to  her  native  mountain,  she  still  remains,  a  mass  of  rock, 
from  which  a  trickling  stream  flows,  the  tribute  of  her  never- 
ending  grief. 

The  story  of  Xiobe  has  furnished  Byron  with  a  fine  illustra- 
tion of  the  fallen  condition  of  modern  Rome  :  — 

"  The  Xiolic  of  nations !  there  she  stands, 
Childless  and  crownless  in  her  voiceless  woe; 
An  empty  nrn  within  her  withered  hands, 
Whose  holy  dust  was  scattered  long  ago ; 
The  Scipios'  tomb  contains  no  ashes  now : 
The  very  sepulchres  lie  tenantless 
Of  their  heroic  dwellers ;  dost  thou  flow, 
Old  Tiber  I  through  a  marble  wilderness  ? 
Rise  with  thy  yellow  waves,  and  mantle  her  distress." 

Childe  Harold,  IV.  79. 

The  slaughter  of  the  children  of  Xiobe  by  Apollo,  alludes 
to  the  Greek  belief  that  pestilence  and  illness  were  sent  by 
Apollo,  and  one  dying  by  sickness  was  said  to  be  struck  by 
Apollo's  arrow.  It  is  to  this  that  Morris  alludes  in  the  Earthly 
Paradise :  — 


"While  from  the  freshness  of  his  blue 
Glad  his  death-bearing  arrows  to  forget, 
The  broad  sun  blazed,  nor  scattei-ed  plagues  as  yet." 

Our  illustration  of  this  story  is  a  copy  of  a  celebrated  statue 
in  the  imperial  gallery  of  Florence.  It  is  the  principal  figure 
of  a  group  supposed  to  have  been  originally  arranged  in  the 
pediment  of  a  temple.     The  figure  of  the  mother  clasped  l}y 


THE    GR^E^    AND    GORGONS.  139 

the  arm  of  her  terrified  child,  is  one  of  the  most  admired  of  the 
ancient  statues.  It  ranks  with  the  Laocoon  and  the  Apollo 
among  the  masterpieces  of  art.  The  following  is  a  translation 
of  a  Greek  epigram  supposed  to  relate  to  this  statue:  — 

"To  stone  the  gods  have  changed  her,  but  in  vain; 
The  sculptor's  art  has  made  her  breathe  again." 

Tragic  as  is  the  story  of  Niobe  Ave  cannot  forbear  to  smile 
at  the  use  Moore  has  made  of  it  in  Rhymes  on  the  Road :  — 

"  '  Twas  in  his  carriage  the  sublime 

Sir  Richard  Blackmore  used  to  rhyme, 

And,  if  the  wits  don't  do  him  wrong, 

'Twixt  dcatli  and  epics  passed  his  time, 

Scribbling  and  killing  all  day  long; 

Like  Phoebus  in  his  car  at  ease. 
Now  warbling  forth  a  lofty  song. 
Now  murdering  the  young  Niobcs." 

Sir  Richard  Blackmore  was  a  physician,  and  at  the  same 
time  a  very  prolific  and  very  tasteless  poet,  whose  works  are 
now  forgotten,  unless  when  recalled  to  mind  by  some  wit  like 
Moore  for  the  sake  of  a  joke. 


The  Grjeje  ai^d  Gorgons. 

The  Grasoe  were  three  sisters  who  Avere  gray-haired  from 
their  birth,  whence  their  name.  The  Gorgons  were  monstrous 
females  with  huge  teeth  like  those  of  swine,  brazen  claws,  and 
snaky  hair.  They  also  Avere  three  in  number,  two  of  them 
immortal,  but  the  other,  Medusa,  mortal.  None  of  these  beings 
make  much  figure  in  mythology  except  Medusa,  the  Gorgon, 
Avhose  story  Ave  shall  next  advert  to.  We  mention  them 
chiefly  to  introduce  an  ingenious  theory  of  some  modern  Avrit- 
ers,  namely,  that  the  Gorgons  and  Graete  Avere  only  personifica- 
tions of  the  terrors  of  the  sea,  the  former  denoting  the  strong 
billoAvs  of  the  Avide  open  main,  and  the  latter  the  ?o/«7e-crested 
waves  that  dash  against  the  rocks  of  the  coast.  Their  names 
in  Greek  signify  the  above  epithets. 


140  STOKIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Pkrseus  and  Medusa. 

Acrisius  was  the  king  who  ruled  in  Argos.  To  him  had 
an  oracle  declared  that  he  should  be  slain  by  the  child  of 
his  daughter  Danae.  Therefore  the  cruel  king,  thinking  it 
better  that  Danae  should  have  no  children  than  that  he  should 
be  slain,  ordered  a  tower  of  brass  to  be  made,  and  in  this 
tower  he  confined  his  daughter  away  from  all  men. 

But  who  can  withstand  Jupiter  ?  He  saw  Danae,  loved  her, 
and  changing  his  form  to  a  shower  of  gold,  he  shone  into  the 
apartment  of  the  captive  girl. 

Pei'seus  was  the  child  of  Jupiter  and  Danae.  Acrisius,  find- 
ing that  his  precautions  had  come  to  nought,  and  yet  hardly 
daring  to  kill  his  own  daughter  and  her  young  child,  placed 
them  both  in  a  chest  and  sent  tlie  chest  floating  on  the  sea. 
It  floated  away  and  was  Anally  entangled  in  the  net  of  Dicte,  a 
fisherman  in  the  island  of  Seriphus.  He  brought  them  to  his 
house  and  treated  them  kindly,  and  in  the  house  of  Dicte,  Per- 
seus grew  up.  When  Perseus  was  grown  up,  Polydectes,  king 
of  that  country,  wishing  to  send  Perseus  to  his  death,  bade  him 
go  in  quest  of  the  head  of  Medusa.  Medusa  had  once  been  a 
beautiful  maiden,  Avhose  hair  was  her  chief  glory,  but  as  she 
dared  to  vie  in  beauty  with  Minerva,  the  goddess  deprived  her 
of  her  charms  and  changed  her  beautiful  ringlets  into  hissing 
serpents.  She  became  a  cruel  monster  of  so  frightful  an  aspect 
that  no  living  thing  could  behold  her  without  being  turned 
into  stone.  All  around  the  cavern  where  she  dwelt  might 
be  seen  the  stony  figures  of  men  and  beasts  which  had 
chanced  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  her  and  had  been  petrified 
with  the  sight.  Minerva  and  Mercury  aided  Perseus.  From 
Minerva,  Perseus  borrowed  her  shield,  and  from  Mercury  the 
winged  shoes  and  the  harpe  or  crooked  sword.  After  having 
flown  all  over  the  earth  Perseus  espied  in  the  bright  shield  the 
image  of  Medusa  and  her  two  immortal  sisters.  Flying  down 
carefully  he  cut  at  her  with  his  harpe  and  severed  her  head. 
Putting  the  trophy  in  his  pouch  he  flew  away  just  as  the  two 
immortal  sisters  were  awakened  by  the  hissings  of  their  snaky 
locks. 


PERSEUS    AND    ATLAS. 


141 


Perseus  and  Atlas. 

After  the  slaughter  of  Medusa,  Perseus,  bearing  with  him 
the  head  of  the  Gorgon,  flew  far  and  wide,  over  land  and  sea. 
As  night  came  on,  he  reached  the  western  limit  of  the  earth, 
where  the  sun  goes  down.     Here  he  would  gladly  have  rested 


till  morning.  It  was  the  realm  of  King  Atlas,  whose  bulk  sur- 
passed that  of  all  other  men.  He  was  rich  in  flocks  and  herds 
and  had  no  neighbor  or  rival  to  dispute  his  state.  But  his 
chief  pride  was  in  his  gardens,  whose  fruit  was  of  gold,  hang- 
ing from  golden  branches,  half  hid  with  golden  leaves.  Per- 
seus said  to  him,  "  I  come  as  a  guest.  If  you  honor  illustrious 
descent,   I  claim  Jupiter  for  my  father;  if  mighty  deeds,  I 


142  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

l)lead  the  conquest  of  tlie  Gorgon.  I  seek  rest  and  food."  But 
Atlas  remembered  that  an  ancient  prophecy  had  warned  hhu 
that  a  son  of  Jove  should  one  day  rob  him  of  his  golden  apples. 
So  he  answered,  "Begone!  or  neither  your  false  claims  of 
glory  nor  of  parentage  shall  protect  you ; "  and  he  attempted  to 
thrust  him  out.  Perseus,  finding  the  giant  too  strong  for  him, 
said,  "  Since  you  value  my  friendship  so  little,  deign  to  accept 
a  present ; "  and  turning  his  face  away,  he  held  up  the  Gor- 
gon's head.  Atlas,  Avith  all  his  bulk,  was  changed  into  stone. 
His  beard  and  hair  became  forests,  his  arms  and  shoulders 
cliffs,  his  head  a  summit,  and  his  bones  rocks.  Each  part  in- 
creased in  bulk  till  lie  became  a  mountain,  and  (such  was  the 
pleasure  of  the  gods)  heaven  with  all  its  stars  rests  upon  his 
shoulders. 

And  all  in  vain  was  Atlas  turned  to  a  mountain,  for  the 
oracle  did  not  mean  Perseus,  but  the  hero  Hercules,  who 
should  come  long  afterwards  to  get  the  golden  apples  for  his 
cousin  Eurystheus. 

Perseus,  continuing  his  flight,  arrived  at  tlie  country  of  the 
Ethiopians,  of  which  Cepheus  was  king.  Cassiopeia,  his  queen, 
proud  of  her  beauty,  had  dared  to  compare  herself  to  the  Sea- 
Nymphs,  which  roused  their  indignation  to  such  a  degree  that 
they  sent  a  prodigious  sea-monster  to  ravage  the  coast.  To 
appease  the  deities,  Cepheus  Avas  directed  by  the  oracle  to 
expose  his  daughter  Andromeda  to  be  devoured  by  the  mon- 
ster. As  Perseus  looked  down  from  his  aerial  height  he  beheld 
the  virgin  chained  to  a  rock,  and  waiting  the  approach  of  the 
serpent.  She  was  so  pale  and  motionless  that  if  it  had  not 
been  for  her  flowing  tears  and  her  hair  that  moved  in  the 
breeze,  he  would  have  taken  her  for  a  marble  statue.  He  w^as 
so  startled  at  the  sight  that  he  almost  forgot  to  w^ve  his  wings. 
As  he  hovered  over  her  he  said,  "  O  virgin,  undeserving  of 
those  chains,  but  rather  of  such  as  bind  fond  lovers  together, 
tell  me,  I  beseech  you,  your  name  and  the  name  of  your  coun- 
try, and  why  you  are  thus  bound."  At  first  she  was  silent 
from  modesty,  and,  if  she  could,  would  have  hid  her  face  with 
her  hands;  but  ♦when  he  repeated  his  questions,  for  fear  she 
might  be  thought  guilty  of  some  fault  which  she  dared  not 


PERSEUS    AND    ANDROMEDA. 


143 


tell,  she  disclosed  her  name  and  that  of  her  country,  and  her 
mother's  pride  of  beauty.  Before  she  had  done  speaking,  a 
sound  was  heard  off  upon  the  water,  and  the  sea-monster  ap- 
jjeared,  with  his  head  i-aised  above  the  surface,  cleaving  the 
waves  with  his  broad  breast.     The  virgin  shrieked,  the  father 


PEKSEUS  AND  ANDROMEDA. 


and  mother  who  had  now  arrived  at  the  scene,  wretched  both, 
but  the  mother  more  justly  so,  stood  by,  not  able  to  afford 
protection,  but  only  to  pour  forth  lamentations  and  to  embrace 
the  victim.  Then  spoke  Perseus :  "  There  will  be  time  enough 
for  tears ;  this  hour  is  all  we  have  for  rescue.  My  rank  as  the 
son  of  Jove  and  my  renown  as  the  slayer  of  the  Gorgon  might 
make  me  acceptable  as  a  suitor ;  but  I  will  try  to  win  her  by 


144  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

services  rendered,  if  the  gods  will  only  be  propitious.  If  she 
be  rescued  by  my  valor,  I  demand  that  she  be  my  reward." 
The  parents  consent  (how  could  they  hesitate  ?)  and  promise 
a  royal  dowry  with  her. 

And  now  the  monster  was  within  the  range  of  a  stone  thrown 
by  a  skilful  slinger,  when  with  a  sudden  bound  the  youth  soared 
into  the  air.  As  an  eagle,  when  from  his  lofty  flight  he  sees  a 
serpent  basking  in  tlie  sun,  pounces  upon  him  and  seizes  him 
by  the  neck  to  prevent  him  from  turning  his  head  round  and 
using  his  fangs,  so  the  youth  darted  down  upon  the  back  of  the 
monster  and  plunged  his  sword  into  its  shoulder.  Irritated  by 
the  wound  the  monster  raised  himself  into  the  air,  then  plunged 
into  the  depth ;  then,  like  a  wild  boar  surrounded  by  a  pack  of 
barking  dogs,  turned  swiftly  from  side  to  side,  while  the  youth 
eluded  its  attacks  by  means  of  his  wings.  Wherever  he  can 
find  a  passage  for  his  sword  between  the  scales  he  makes  a 
wound,  piercing  now  the  side,  now  the  flank,  as  it  slopes 
towards  the  tail.  The  brute  spouts  from  his  nostrils  water 
mixed  with  blood.  The  wings  of  the  hero  are  wet  with  it,  and 
he  dares  no  longer  trust  to  them.  Alighting  on  a  rock  which 
rose  above  the  waves,  and  holding  on  by  a  projecting  fragment, 
as  the  monster  floated  near  he  gave  him  a  death-stroke.  The 
people  who  had  gathered  on  the  shore  shouted  so  that  the  hills 
re-echoed  to  the  sound.  The  parents,  transported  with  joy, 
embraced  their  future  son-in-law,  calling  him  their  deliverer 
and  the  savior  of  their  house,  and  the  virgin,  both  cause  and 
reward  of  the  contest,  descended  from  the  I'ock. 

Cassiopeia  w^as  an  ^Ethiopian,  and  consequently,  in  spite  of 
her  boasted  beauty,  black  ;  at  least  so  Milton  seems  to  have 
thought,  who  alludes  to  this  story  in  his  Penseroso,  where  he 
addresses  Melancholy  as  the 

" goddess,  sage  and  boly, 

Whose  saintly  visage  is  too  bright 
To  hit  the  sense  of  human  sight. 
And,  therefore,  to  our  weaker  view 
,  O'erlaid  with  black,  staid  Wisdom's  hue. 
Black,  hut  such  as  in  esteem 
Prince  Memnon's  sister  might  beseem, 


THE    WEDDING    FEAST.  145 

Or  that  starred  ^Ethiop  queen  that  strove 

To  set  her  beautj-'s  praise  above 

The  sea-nymphs,  and  their  powers  offended." 

Cassiopeia  is  called  "  the  starred  ^tliiop  queen,"  because 
after  her  death  she  was  placed  among  the  stars,  forming  the 
constellation  of  that  name.  Though  she  attained  this  honor, 
yet  the  Sea-Xymphs,  lier  old  enemies,  prevailed  so  far  as  to 
cause  her  to  be  placed  in  that  part  of  the  heaven  near  the  pole, 
where  every  night  she  is  half  the  time  held  Avith  her  head 
downward,  to  give  her  a  lesson  of  humility. 

"  Prince  Memnon  "  was  the  son  of  Aurora  and  Tithonus,  of 
whom  we  shall  hear  later. 


The  Wedding  Feast. 

The  joyful  parents,  with  Perseus  and  Andromeda,  repaired 
to  the  palace,  where  a  banquet  was  spread  for  them,  and  all 
Avas  joy  and  festivity.  But  suddenly  a  noise  was  heard  of  war- 
like clamor,  and  Phineus,  the  betrothed  of  the  virgin,  with  a 
party  of  his  adherents,  burst  in,  demanding  the  maiden  as  his 
own.  It  was  in  vain  that  Cepheus  remonstrated,  —  "You 
should  have  claimed  her  when  she  lay  bound  to  the  rock,  the 
monster's  victim.  The  sentence  of  tlie  gods  dooming  her  to 
such  a  fate  dissolved  all  engagements,  as  death  itself  would 
have  done."  Phineus  made  no  reply,  but  hurled  his  javelin  at 
Perseus,  but  it  missed  its  mark  and  fell  harmless.  Perseus 
would  have  thrown  his  in  turn,  but  the  cowardly  assailant  ran 
and  took  shelter  behind  the  altar.  But  his  act  was  a  signal  for 
an  onset  by  his  band  upon  the  guests  of  Cepheus.  They  de- 
fended themselves  and  a  general  conflict  ensued,  the  old  king 
retreating  from  the  scene  after  fruitless  expostulations,  calling 
the  gods  to  witness  that  he  was  guiltless  of  this  outrage  on  the 
rights  of  hospitality. 

Perseus  and  his  friends  maintained  for  some  time  the  unequal 
contest ;  but  the  numbers  of  the  assailants  were  too  great  for 
them,  and  destruction  seemed  inevitable,  when  a  sudden  thought 
struck  Perseus  :  "  I  will  make  my  enemy  defend  me."  Then, 
with  a  loud  voice  he  exclaimed,  "  If  I  have  any  friend  here  let 


146  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

him  turn  away  his  eyes !  "  and  held  aloft  the  Gorgon's  head. 
"Seek  not  to  frighten  us  with  your  jugglery,"  said  Thescelus, 
and  raised  his  javelin  in  act  to  throw,  and  became  stone  in  the 
very  attitude.  Ampyx  was  about  to  plunge  his  sword  into 
the  body  of  a  prostrate  foe,  but  his  arm  stiffened  and  he  could 
neither  thrust  forward  nor  withdraw  it.  Another,  in  the  midst 
of  a  vociferous  challenge,  stopped,  his  mouth  open,  but  no 
sound  issuing.  One  of  Perseus's  friends,  Aconteus,  caught 
sight  of  the  Gorgon  and  stiffened  like  the  rest.  Astyages 
struck  him  Avitli  his  sword,  but  instead  of  Avounding,  it  recoiled 
with  a  ringing  noise. 

Phineus  beheld  this  dreadful  result  of  his  unjust  aggression, 
and  felt  confounded.  He  called  aloud  to  his  friends,  but  got 
no  answer;  he  touched  them  and  found  them  stone.  Falling  on 
his  knees  and  stretching  out  his  hands  to  Perseus,  but  turning 
his  head  away,  he  begged  for  mercy.  "Take  all,"  said  he, 
"give  me  but  my  life."  "Base  coward,"  said  Perseus,  "thus 
much  I  will  grant  you ;  no  Aveapon  shall  touch  you  ;  moreover 
you  shall  be  preserved  in  my  house  as  a  memorial  of  these 
events."  So  saying,  he  held  the  Gorgon's  head  to  the  side 
whei-e  Phineus  was  looking,  and  in  the  very  form  in  which  he 
knelt,  Avith  his  hands  outstretched  and  face  averted,  he  became 
fixed  immovably,  a  mass  of  stone ! 

The  following  allusion  to  Perseus  is  from  Milman's  Samor  :  — 

"  As  'mid  the  fabled  Libyan  bridal  stood 
Perseus  in  stern  tranquillity  of  wrath, 
Half  stood,  half  floated  on  his  ankle-plumes 
Out-swellin.2:,  while  the  bright  face  on  his  shield' 
Looked  into  stone  the  raging  fray ;  so  rose, 
But  with  no  magic  arms,  wearing  alone 
Th'  appalling  and  control  of  his  firm  look, 
The  Briton  Samor ;  at  his  rising  awe 
Wont  abroad,  and  the  riotous  hall  was  mute." 

Then  Perseus  returned  to  Seriphus  to  King  Polydectes  and 
to  his  mother  Danae  and  the  fisherman  Dicte.  He  marched 
up  the  tyrant's  hall,  where  Polydectes  and  his  guests  Avere 
feasting.  "Have  you  the  head  of  Medusa?"  exclaimed  Poly- 
dectes. "  Here  it  is,"  ansAA'cred  Perseus,  and  shoAved  it  to  the 
king  and  to  his  guests. 


THE    WEDDING    FEAST.  147 

The  ancient  propliecy  wliicli  Acrisius  had  so  much  feared 
at  last  came  to  jiass.  For,  as  Perseus  was  passing  through  the 
country  of  Larissa,  he  entered  into  competition  with  the  youths 
of  the  country  at  the  game  of  hurling  the  discus.  King 
Acrisius  was  among  the  spectators.  The  youths  of  Larissa 
threw  first,  and  then  Perseus.  His  discus  went  far  beyond 
the  others,  and,  seized  by  a  breeze  from  the  sea,  fell  upon  the 
foot  of  Acrisius.  The  old  king  swooned  with  pain,  and  was 
carried  away  from  the  place  only  to  die.  Perseus,  who  had 
heard  the  story  of  his  birth  and  parentage  from  Danae,  when 
he  learned  who  Acrisius  was,  filled  with  remorse  and  sorrow, 
went  to  the  oracle  at  Delphi,  and  there  was  purified  from  the 
guilt  of  homicide. 

Perseus  gave  the  head  of  Medusa  to  Minerva,  who  had  aided 
him  so  -well  to  obtain  it.  Minerva  took  the  head  of  her  once 
beautiful  rival  and  placed  it  in  the  middle  of  her  vEgis. 

Milton,  in  his  Comus,  thus  alludes  to  the  ^gis :  — 

"  What  was  that  snaky-headed  Gorgon-shield 
That  wise  Minerva  wore,  iinconquered  virgin, 
Wherewith  she  frcczcd  lier  foes  to  congealed  stone, 
But  rigid  looks  of  chaste  austerit_y, 
And  noble  grace  tliat  dashed  brute  violence 
With  sudden  adoration  and  blank  awe !  " 

Armstrong,  the  poet  of  the  Art  of  Preserving  Health,  thus 
describes  the  effect  of  frost  upon  the  Avaters  :  — 

"  Xow  blows  the  surly  North  and  chills  throughout 
The  stiffening  regions,  while  by  stronger  cliarms 
Than  Circe  e'er  or  fell  Medea  brewed. 
Each  brook  that  wont  to  prattle  to  its  banks 
Lies  all  bestilled  and  wedged  betwixt  its  banks. 
Nor  moves  the  withered  reeds.     .     .     . 
The  surges  baited  by  the  fierce  Northeast, 
Tossing  with  fretful  spleen  tlieir  angry  heads, 
E'en  in  the  foam  of  all  their  madness  struck 
To  monumental  ice. 

Such  execution, 
So  stern,  so  sudden,  wrought  the  grisly  aspect 
Of  terrible  Medusa, 
When  wandering  through  the  woods  she  turned  to  stone 


148  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Their  savage  tenants;  just  as  the  foaming  lion 
Sprang  furious  on  his  prey,  her  speedier  power 
Outran  liis  haste, 

And  fixed  in  that  fierce  attitude  he  stands 
Like  Rage  in  marble  !  " 

Imitations  of  Shakspeare. 

Of  Atlas  there  is  another  story,  which  I  hke  better  than  the 
one  told.  He  was  one  of  the  Titans  who  warred  against 
JujMter  like  Typhoeus,  Briareus,  and  others.  After  their  defeat 
by  the  king  of  gods  and  men,  Atlas  was  condemned  to  stand  in 
the  far  western  part  of  the  earth,  by  the  Pillars  of  Hercules, 
and  to  hold  on  his  shoulders  the  weight  of  heaven  and  the 
stars. 

The  story  rtins  that  Perseus,  flying  by,  asked  and  obtained 
rest  and  food.  The  next  morning  he  asked  what  he  could  do 
to  reward  Atlas  for  his  kindness.  The  best  that  giant  could 
think  of  was  that  Perseus  should  show  him  the  snaky  head  of 
Medusa,  that  he  might  be  turned  to  stone  and  be  at  rest  from 
his  heavy  load. 


CHAPTER  X. 


MOXSTERS.  — GIANTS.  — SPHINX.  — PEGASUS    AND    THE 
CHIM.ERA.  —  CENTAURS.  —  GRIFFIN.  —  PYGMIES. 

MONSTERS,  in  the  language  of  mythology,  were  beings  of 
unnatural  proportions  or  parts,  usually  regarded  with 
terror,  as  possessing  immense  strength  and  ferocity,  which 
tliey  employed  for  the  injury  and  annoyance  of  men.  Some  of 
them  were  supposed  to  combine  the  members  of  different  ani- 
mals ;  such  were  the  Sphinx  and  the  Chimaera ;  and  to  these  all 
the  terrible  qualities  of  wild  beasts  were  attributed,  together 
with  human  sagacity  and  faculties.  Others,  as  the  giants,  dif- 
fered from  men  chiefly  in  their  size ;  and  in  this  particular  Ave 
must  recognize  a  wide  distinction  among  them.  The  human 
giants,  if  so  they  may  be  called,  such  as  the  Cyclopes,  Antasus, 
Orion,  and  others,  must  be  supposed  not  to  be  altogether  dis- 
proportioned  to  human  beings,  for  they  mingled  in  love  and 
strife  with  them.  But  the  superhuman  giants,  Avho  warred 
with  the  gods,  were  of  vastly  larger  dimensions.  Tityus,  we 
are  told,  when  stretched  on  the  plain,  covered  nine  acres,  and 
Euceladus  required  the  whole  of  Mount  ^tna  to  be  laid  upon 
him  to  keej)  him  down. 

(149) 


150  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

We  have  already  spoken  of  the  war  wliich  the  giants  waged 
against  the  gods,  and  of  its  result.  While  this  war  lasted  the 
giants  proved  a  formidable  enemy.  Some  of  them,  like 
Briareus,  had  a  hundred  arms ;  others,  like  Typhon,  breathed 
out  fire.  At  one  time  they  put  the  gods  to  such  fear  that  they 
fled  into  Egypt,  and  hid  themselves  under  various  forms, 
Jupiter  took  the  form  of  a  ram,  whence  he  was  afterwards  wor- 
shipped in  Egypt  as  the  god  Ammon,  with  curved  horns. 
Apollo  became  a  crow,  Bacchus  a  goat,  Diana  a  cat,  Juno  a 
cow,  Venus  a  fish.  Mercury  a  bird.  At  another  time  the 
giants  attempted  to  climb  up  into  heaven,  and  for  that  purpose 
took  up  the  mountain  Ossa  and  piled  it  on  Pelion.^  They  were 
at  last  subdued  by  thunderbolts,  Avhich  Minerva  invented,  and 
taught  Vulcan  and  his  Cyclopes  to  make  for  Jupiter. 


The  Sphinx. 

Laius,  king  of  Thebes,  was  warned  by  an  oracle  that  there 
was  danger  to  his  throne  and  life  if  his  new-born  son  should  be 
suffered  to  grow  up.  He  therefoi-e  committed  the  child  to  the 
care  of  a  herdsman,  with  orders  to  destroy  him  ;  but  the  herds- 
man, moved  to  i^ity,  yet  not  daring  entirely  to  disobey,  tied  up 
the  child  by  the  feet,  and  left  him  hanging  to  the  branch  of  a 
tree.  Here  the  infant  was  found  by  a  herdsman  of  Polybus, 
king  of  Corinth,  who  was  pasturing  his  flock  upon  Mount 
Cithaeron.  Polybus  and  Merope,  his  wife,  adopted  the  child, 
whom  they  called  (Edipus,  or  Swollen-foot,  for  they  had  no 
children  themselves,  and  in  Corinth  (Edipus  grew  up.  But  as 
(Edipus  was  at  Delphi,  the  oracle  prophesied  to  him  that  he 
should  kill  his  father  and  marry  his  own  mother.  Fighting 
against  Fate,  (Edipus  resolved  to  leave  Corinth  and  his 
parents,  for  he  thought  that  Polybus  and  Merope  were  meant 
by  the  oracle. 

Soon  afterwards,  Laius  being  on  his  way  to  Delphi,  accom- 
panied only  by  one  attendant,  met  in  a  narrow  road  a  young 
man  also  driving  in  a  chariot.     On  his  refusal  to  leave  the  way 

1  See  Proverbial  Expressions,  page  445. 


PEGASUS  AND  THE  CHIMERA.  151 

at  their  command,  tlie  attendant  killed  one  of  his  horses,  and 
the  stranger,  filled  Avith  rage,  slew  both  Laius  and  his  attend- 
ant. The  young  man  was  (Edipus,  who  thus  unknowingly 
became  the  slayer  of  his  own  father. 

Shortly  after  this  event  the  city  of  Thebes  was  afflicted  with 
a  monster  which  infested  the  liigh-road.  It  was  called  the 
Sphinx.  It  liad  the  body  of  a  lion,  and  the  upper  part  of  a 
woman.  It  lay  crouched  on  the  top  of  a  rock,  and  stopped  all 
travellers  who  came  that  way,  proposing  to  them  a  riddle,  with 
the  condition  that  those  who  could  solve  it  should  pass  safe,  but 
those  who  failed  should  be  killed.  Not  one  had  yet  succeeded 
in  solving  it,  and  all  had  been  slain.  OEdipus  was  not  daunted 
by  these  alarming  accounts,  but  boldly  advanced  to  the  trial. 
The  Sphinx  asked  him,  "What  animal  is  that  which  in  the  morn- 
ing goes  on  four  feet,  at  noon  on  two,  and  in  the  evening  upon 
three?"  Oedipus  replied,  "Man,  who  in  childhood  creeps  on 
hands  and  knees,  in  manhood  Avalks  erect,  and  in  old  age  with 
the  aid  of  a  staff."  The  Sphinx  was  so  mortified  at  the  solv- 
ing of  her  i-iddle  that  she  cast  herself  down  from  the  rock  and 
perished. 

The  gratitude  of  the  people  for  their  deliverance  was  so 
great  that  they  made  (Edipus  their  king,  giving  him  in  mar- 
riage their  queen  Jocasta.  (Edipus,  ignorant  of  his  parentage, 
had  already  become  the  slayer  of  his  father ;  in  marrying  the 
queen  he  became  the  husband  of  his  mother.  These  horrors 
remained  undiscovered,  till  at  length  Thebes  was  afflicted  witli 
famine  and  pestilence,  and  the  oracle  being  consulted,  the 
double  crime  of  (Edipus  came  to  light.  Jocasta  put  an  end 
to  her  own  life,  and  (Edipus,  seized  with  madness,  tore  out  his 
eyes,  and  wandered  away  from  Thebes,  dreaded  and  abandoned 
by  all  except  his  daughters,  who  faithfully  adhered  to  him ; 
till  after  a  tedious  period  of  miserable  wandering,  he  found  the 
termination  of  his  wretched  life. 


Pegasus  and  the  Chimera. 

When  Perseus  cut  off  Medusa's  head,  .the  blood  sinking  into 
the  earth  produced  the  winged  horse  Pegasus.    Minerva  caught 


152 


STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 


and  tamed  him,  and  presented  him  to  the  Muses.  The  foun- 
tain Hippocrene,  on  the  Muses'  mountain  Helicon,  was  opened 
by  a  kick  from  his  hoof. 

The  Chimera  was  a  fearful  monster,  breathing  fire.     The 
fore  part  of  its  body  was  a  compound  of  the  lion  and  the  goat. 


PEGASUS  (BY  THORWALDSEN). 

and  the  hind  part  a  dragon's.  It  made  great  havoc  in  Lycia, 
so  that  the  king  lobates  sought  for  some  hero  to  destroy  it. 
At  that  time  there  arrived  at  his  court  a  gallant  young  warrior, 
whose  name  was  Bellerophon.  He  brought  letters  from  Prcetus, 
the  son-in-law  of  lobates,  recommending  Bellerojjhon  in  the 
warmest  terms  as  an  unconquerable  hero,  but  added  at  the 
close  a  request  to  his  father-in-law  to  put  him  to  death.     The 


PEGASUS    AND    THE    CHIM.ERA.  153 

reason  was  that  Proetus  was  jealous  of  him,  suspecting  that  his 
wife  Antea  looked  with  too  much  admiration  on  the  young 
warrior.  From  this  instance  of  Bellerophon  being  uncon- 
sciously the  bearer  of  his  own  death-warrant,  the  expression 
"  Bellerophontic  letters  "  arose,  to  describe  any  species  of  com- 
munication which  a  person  is  made  the  bearer  of,  containing 
matter  prejudicial  to  himself. 

lobates,  on  perusing  the  letters,  was  puzzled  what  to  do,  not 
willing  to  violate  the  claims  of  hospitality,  yet  wishing  to 
oblige  his  son-in-law.  A  lucky  thought  occuiTed  to  him,  to 
send  Bellerophon  to  combat  with  the  Chimgera.  Bellerophon 
accepted  the  proposal,  but  before  proceeding  to  the  combat 
consulted  the  soothsayer  Polyidus,  who  advised  him  to  procure 
if  possible  the  horse  Pegasus  for  the  conflict.  For  this  pm-pose 
he  directed  him  to  pass  the  night  in  the  temple  of  Minerva. 
He  did  so,  and  as  he  slept  Minerva  came  to  him  and  gave  him 
a  golden  bridle.  When  he  awoke  the  bridle  remained  in  his 
hand.  Minerva  also  showed  him  Pegasus  drinking  at  the  well 
of  Pirene,  and  at  sight  of  the  bridle,  the  winged  steed  came 
willingly  and  suffered  himself  to  be  taken.  Bellerophon  mount- 
ing, rose  with  him  into  the  air,  and  soon  found  the  Chimera, 
and  gained  an  easy  victory  over  the  monster. 

After  the  conquest  of  the  Chimjera,  Bellerophon  was  exposed 
to  further  trials  and  labors  by  his  unfriendly  host,  but  by  the 
aid  of  Pegasus  he  triumphed  in  them  all ;  till  at  length  lobates, 
seeing  that  the  hero  was  a  special  favorite  of  the  gods,  gave 
him  his  daughter  in  marriage  and  made  him  his  successor  on 
the  throne.  At  last  Bellerophon  by  his  pride  and  presumption 
drew  upon  himself  the  anger  of  the  gods ;  it  is  said  he  even 
attempted  to  fly  up  into  heaven  on  his  winged  steed  ;  but  Jupi- 
ter sent  a  gadfly  which  stung  Pegasus  and  made  him  throw 
his  rider,  who  became  lame  and  blind  in  consequence.  After 
this  Bellerophon  wandered  lonely  through  the  Aleian  field, 
avoiding  the  paths  of  men,  and  died  miserably. 

Milton  alludes  to  Bellerophon  in  the  beginning  of  the  seventh 
book  of  Paradise  Lost :  — 

"  Descend  from  Heaven,  Urania,  by  that  name 
If  rightly  thou  art  called,  whose  voice  divine 


154  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Following  above  the  Olympian  hill  I  soar, 
Above  the  flight  of  Pegasean  wing. 

Up-led  by  thee, 
Into  the  Heaven  of  Heavens  1  have  presumed, 
An  earthly  guest,  and  drawn  empyreal  air, 
'  (Thy  tempering;)  with  like  safety  guided  down 

Return  me  to  my  native  element ; 
Lest  from  this  flying  steed  unreined,  (as  once 
Bellerophon,  though  from  a  lower  sphere,) 
Dismounted  on  the  Aleian  field  I  fall. 
Erroneous  there  to  wander,  and  forlorn." 

Young  in  liis  Night  Thoughts,  s])eaking  of  the  skeptic,  says, 

"  He  whose  blind  thought  futurity  denies. 
Unconscious  bears,  Bellerophon,  like  thee 
His  own  indictment ;  he  condemns  himself. 
Who  reads  his  bosom  reads  immortal  life, 
Or  nature  there,  imposing  on  her  sons. 
Has  written  fables ;  man  was  made  a  lie." 

Vol.  II.  1.  12. 


Pegasus,  being  the  liorse  of  the  Muses,  has  always  been  ."t 
the  service  of  the  poets.  Schiller  tells  a  pretty  story  of  his 
having  been  sold  by  a  needy  poet,  and  put  to  the  cart  and  the 
plough.  He  was  not  fit  for  such  service,  and  his  clownish 
master  could  make  nothing  of  him.  But  a  youth  stepped  forth 
and  asked  leave  to  try  him.  As  soon  as  he  was  seated  on  his 
back,  the  horse,  which  had  ai)peared  at  first  vicious,  and  aftei-- 
wards  spirit-broken,  rose  kingly,  a  spirit,  a  god ;  unfolded  the 
splendor  of  his  wings  and  soared  towards  heaven.  Our  own 
poet  Longfellow  also  records  an  adventure  of  this  famous  steed 
in  his  Pegasus  in  Pound. 

Shakespeare  alludes  to  Pegasus  in  Henry  IV.  where  Vernon 
describes  Prince  Henry  :  — 

"I  saw  young  Harrj-,  with  his  beaver  on, 
His  cuislies  on  his  tliighs,  gallantly  armed, 
Rise  from  the  ground  like  feathered  Mercury, 
And  vaulted  with  such  ease  into  his  seat, 
As  if  an  angel  dropped  down  from  the  clouds, 
To  turn  and  wind  a  fiery  Pegasus, 
And  witch  the  world  with  noble  horsemanship." 


THE    CENTAURS.  155 


The   Centaurs. 

The  Greeks  loved  to  people  their  woods  and  hills  with 
strange  wild  people,  —  half  man,  half  beast.  Such  were  tlie 
Satyrs  —  men  with  goats'  legs.  But  nobler  and  better  were 
the  Centaurs, — men  to  the  waist,  while  the  rest  was  the  form 
of  a  horse.  The  ancients  were  too  fond  of  a  horse  to  consider 
the  union  of  his  nature  Avith  man's  as  forming  any  very  de- 
graded compound,  and  accordingly  the  Centaur  is  the  only 
one  of  the  fancied  monsters  of  antiquity  to  which  any  good 
traits  are  assigned.  The  Centaurs  were  admitted  to  the  com- 
panionship of  man,  and  at  the  marriage  of  Pirithoiis  with  Ilip- 
podamia,  they  were  among  the  guests.  At  the  feast,  Eurytion, 
one  of  the  Centaurs,  becoming  intoxicated  with  the  Avine,  at- 
tempted to  offer  violence  to  the  bride;  the  other  Centaurs 
followed  his  example,  and  a  dreadful  conflict  arose  in  which 
several  of  them  were  slain.  This  is  the  celebrated  battle  of 
the  LapithcB  and  Centaurs,  a  favorite  subject  with  tlie  sculptors 
and  poets  of  antiquity. 

But  all  the  Centaurs  were  not  like  the  rude  guests  of 
Pirithoiis.  Chiron  was  instructed  by  Apollo  and  Diana,  and 
was  renowned  for  his  skill  in  hunting,  medicine,  music,  and  the 
art  of  proj^hecy.  The  most  distinguished  heroes  of  Grecian 
story  were  his  pupils.  Among  the  rest  the  infant  ^sculapius 
Avas  intrusted  to  his  charge,  by  Apollo,  his  father.  When  the 
sage  returned  to  his  liome  bearing  the  infant,  his  daughter 
Ocyroe  came  forth  to  meet  him,  and  at  sight  of  the  child  burst 
forth  into  a  prophetic  strain  (for  she  Avas  a  prophetess),  fore- 
telling the  glory  that  he  was  to  achieve.  ^Esculapius,  when 
grown  up,  became  a  renowned  pliysician,  and  even  in  one 
instance  succeeded  in  restoring  the  dead  to  life.  Pluto  re- 
sented this,  and  Jupiter,  at  his  request,  struck  the  bold  physi- 
cian Avith  lightning  and  killed  him,  but  after  his  death  received 
him  into  the  number  of  the  gods. 

Chiron  Avas  the  Avisest  and  justest  of  all  the  Centaurs,  and  at 
his  death  Jupiter  placed  him  among  the  stars  as  the  constel- 
lation Sagittarius. 


156  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

The  Pygmies. 

The  Pygmies  were  a  nation  of  dwarfs,  so  called  from  a 
Greek  word  which  means  the  cubit,^  which  was  said  to  be 
the  height  of  these  people.  They  lived  near  the  sources  of 
the  Nile,  or  according  to  others,  in  India.  Homer  tells  us  that 
the  cranes  iised  to  migrate  every  winter  to  the  Pygmies' 
country,  and  their  appearance  was  the  signal  of  bloody  war- 
fare to  the  puny  inhabitants,  who  had  to  take  up  arms  to 
defend  their  cornfields  against  the  rapacious  strangei's.  The 
Pygmies  and  their  enemies  the  cranes  form  the  subject  of 
several  works  of  art. 

Later  writers  tell  of  an  army  of  Pygmies  which  finding 
Hercules  asleep  made  preparations  to  attack  him,  as  if  they 
were  about  to  attack  a  city.  But  the  hero  awaking  laughed  at 
the  little  warriors,  wrapped  some  of  them  up  in  his  lion's-skin, 
and  carried  them  to  Eurystheus. 

Milton  uses  the  Pygmies  for  a  simile,  Paradise  Lost, 
Book  I. :  — 

" like  that  Pygmrean  race 

Beyond  the  Indian  mount,  or  fairy  elves 
Whose  midnight  revels  by  a  forest  side, 
Or  fountain,  some  belated  peasant  sees, 
(Or  dreams  he  sees),  wliile  overhead  the  moon 
Sits  arbitress,  and  nearer  to  the  earth 
Wlieels  her  pale  course;  they  on  their  mirth  and  dance 
Intent,  with  jocund  music  charm  his  car. 
■   At  once  with  joy  and  fear  his  heart  rebounds." 

The  Griffix,  or  Gryphox. 

The  Griffin  is  a  monster  with  the  body  of  a  lion,  the  head 
and  wings  of  an  eagle,  and  back  covered  with  feathers.  Like 
birds  it  builds  its  nest,  and  instead  of  an  egg  lays  an  agate 
therein.  It  has  long  claws  and  talons  of  such  a  size  that  the 
people  of  that  country  make  them  into  drinking-cups.  India 
was  assigned  as  the  native  country  of  the  Griffins.    They  found 

•  A  cubit  was  a  measure  of  about  thirteen  inches. 


THE    CENTAURS.  157 

gold  in  the  mountains  and  built  their  nests  of  it,  for  which 
reason  their  nests  were  very  tempting  to  the  hunters,  and  they 
were  forced  to  keep  vigilant  guard  over  them.  Their  instinct 
led  them  to  know  where  buried  treasui-es  lay,  and  they  did 
their  best  to  keep  plunderers  at  a  distance.  The  Ariniaspians, 
among  whom  the  Griffins  flourished,  were  a  one-eyed  people  of 
Scythia. 

Milton  borrows  a  simile  from  the  Griffins,  Paradise  Lost, 
Book  II. :  — 

"  As  when  a  Gryphon  throiig-li  the  wilderness, 
With  winged  course,  o'er  hill  and  moory  dale, 
Pursues  the  Arimaspian  who  by  stealth 
Hath  from  his  wakeful  custody  purloined 
His  sfuarded  gold." 


CHAPTER  XI. 

THE  GOLDEN  FLEECE.— MEDEA.— THE  CALYDONLiN  HUNT. 

IX  very  ancient  times  there  lived  in  Thessaly  a  king  and 
queen  named  Atliamas  and  Nepliele.  They  had  two 
cliildren,  a  boy  and  a  girl.  After  a  time  Athamas  grew  in- 
different to  his  wife,  put  her  away,  and  took  another.  Nephele 
suspected  danger  to  her  children  from  the  influence  of  the 
step-mother,  and  took  measures  to  §end  them  out  of  her  reach. 
Mercury  assisted  her,  and  gave  her  a  ram,  with  a  golden  fleece^ 
on  which  she  set  the  two  children,  trusting  that  the  ram  would 
convey  them  to  a  place  of  safety.  The  ram  sprung  into  the 
air  with  the  children  on  his  back,  taking  his  course  to  the  east, 
till  when  crossing  the  strait  that  divides  Europe  and  Asia,  the 
girl,  whose  name  was  Helle,  fell  from  his  back  into  the  sea, 
which  from  her  was  called  the  Hellespont,  —  now  the  Dar- 
danelles. The  ram  continued  his  career  till  he  i  cached  the 
kingdom  of  Colchis,  on  the  eastern  shore  of  the  Black  Sea, 
where  he  safely  landed  the  boy  Phryxus,  who  was  hospitably 
received  by  iEetes,  the  king  of  the  country.  Phryxus  sacrificed 
the  ram  to  Jujiiter,  and  gave  the  golden  fleece  to  ^etes,  who 
placed  it  in  a  consecrated  grove,  under  the  care  of  a  sleepless 
dragon. 

There  was   another  kingdom  in   Thessaly  near  to  that  of 
Athamas,  and  ruled  over  by  a  relative  of  his.     The  king^son, 

(158) 


THE    GOLDEN    FLEECE.  159 

being  tired  of  the  cares  of  government,  surrendered  liis  crown 
to  his  brother  Pelias,  on  condition  that  he  should  hold  it  only 
during  the  minority  of  Jason,  the  son  of  -^son.  When  Jason 
was  grown  up  and  came  to  demand  the  crown  from  his  uncle, 
Pelias  pretended  to  be  willing  to  yield  it,  but  at  the  same  time 
suggested  to  the  young  man  the  glorious  adventure  of  going 
in  quest  of  the  golden  fleece,  which  it  was  well  known  was  in 
the  kingdom  of  Colchis,  and  was,  as  Pelias  pretended,  the 
rightful  property  of  their  family.  Jason  was  pleased  M'itli  the 
thought,  and  forthwith  made  preparations  for  the  expedition. 
At  that  time  the  only  species  of  navigation  known  to  the 
Greeks  consisted  of  small  boats  or  canoes  hollowed  out  from 
trunks  of  trees,  so  that  when  Jason  employed  Argus  to  build 
him  a  vessel  capable  of  containing  fifty  men,  it  was  considered  a 
gigantic  undertaking.  It  was  accomplished,  however,  and  the 
vessel  was  named  the  Argo,  from  the  name  of  the  builder.  Jason 
sent  his  invitation  to  all  the  adventurous  young  men  of  Gi-eece, 
and  soon  found  himself  at  the  head  of  a  band  of  bold  youths, 
many  of  whom  afterwards  were  renowned  among  the  heroes 
and  demigods  of  Greece.  Hercules,  Theseus,  Orpheus,  and 
Nestor  were  among  them.  They  are  called  the  Argonauts, 
from  the  name  of  their  vessel. 

The  Argo  wath  her  crew  of  heroes  left  the  shores  of  Thessaly 
and  having  touched  at  the  Island  of  Lemnos,  thence  crossed  to 
Mysia  and  thence  to  Thrace.  Here  they  found  the  sage 
Phineus,  and  from  him  received  instruction  as  to  their  future 
course.  It  seems  the  entrance  of  the  Euxine  Sea  was  impeded 
by  two  small  rocky  islands,  which  floated  on  the  surface,  and 
in  their  tossings  and  heavings  occasionally  came  together, 
crushing  and  grinding  to  atoms  any  object  that  might  be 
caught  between  them.  They  were  called  the  Symplegades,  or 
Clashing  Islands.  Phineus  instructed  the  Argonauts  how  to 
pass  this  dangerous  strait.  When  they  reached  the  islands 
they  let  go  a  dove,  which  took  her  way  between  the  rocks,  and 
passed  in  safety,  only  losing  some  feathers  of  her  tail.  Jason 
and  his  men  seized  the  favorable  moment  of  the  rebound,  plied 
their  oars  with  vigor,  and  passed  safe  through,  though  the 
islands  closed  behind  them,  and  actually  grazed  their  stern. 


160 


STOKIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


They  now  rowed  along  the  shore  till  they  arrived  at  the  eastern 
end  of  the  sea,  and  landed  at  the  kingdom  of  Colchis. 

Jason  made  known  his  message  to  the  Colchian  king,  iEetes, 
wlio  consented  to  give  up  the  golden  fleece  if  Jason  would 
yoke  to  the  plough  two  fire-breathing  bulls  with  brazen  feet, 
and  sow  the  teeth  of  the  dragon,  which  Cadmus  had  slain,  and 
from  which  it  was  well  known 
that  a  crop  of  armed  men  would 
spring  up,  who  would  turn  their 
weapons  against  their  producer. 
Jason  accepted  the  conditions, 
and  a  time  was  set  for  making 
the  experiment.  Previously, 
however,  he  found  means  to 
plead  his  cause  to  Medea, 
daughter  of  the  king.  He  prom- 
ised her  marriage,  and  as  they 
stood  befoi-e  the  altar  of  Hecate, 
called  the  goddess  to  witness 
liis  oath.  Medea  yielded  —  and 
})y  lier  aid,  for  she  was  a  potent 
sorceress,  he  was  furnished  with 
a  charm,  by  which  he  could  en- 
counter safely  the  breath  of  the 
fire-breathing  bulls  and  the 
Aveapons  of  the  armed  men. 

At  the  time  appointed,  the 
jieople  assembled  at  the  grove 
of  Mars,  and  the  king  assumed 
his  royal  seat,  while  the  multi- 
tude covered  the  hill-sides.  The  brazen-footed  bulls  rushed  in, 
breathing  fire  from  their  nostrils,  that  burned  up  the  herbage 
as  they  passed.  The  sound  was  like  the  roar  of  a  furnace,  and 
the  smoke  like  that  of  water  upon  quick-lime.  Jason  advanced 
boldly  to  meet  them.  His  friends,  the  chosen  heroes  of  Greece, 
trembled  to  behold  him.  Regardless  of  the  burning  breath, 
he  soothed  their  rage  with  his  voice,  patted  their  necks  with 
fearless  hand,  and  adroitly  slipped  over  them  the  yoke,  and 


JASON.      (XHOEVTALDSEX.) 


THE    GOLDEN    FLEECE.  IGl 

compelled  them  to  drag  the  plough.  The  Colchians  were 
amazed;  the  Greeks  shouted  for  joy.  Jason  next  proceeded 
to  sow  the  dragon's  teeth  and  plough  them  in.  And  soon  the 
crop  of  armed  men  sjirang  up,  and  wonderful  to  relate  !  no 
sooner  had  they  reached  the  surface  than  they  began  to  bran- 
dish their  weapons  and  rush  upon  Jason.  The  Greeks  trembled 
for  their  hero,  and  even  she  who  had  provided  him  a  way  of 
safety  and  taught  him  how  to  use  it,  Medea  herself,  grew  pale 
with  fear.  Jason  for  a  time  kept  his  assailants  at  bay  with  his 
sword  and  shield,  till  finding  their  numbers  overwhelming,  he 
resorted  to  the  charm  which  Medea  had  taught  him,  seized  a 
stone  and  threw  it  in  the  midst  of  his  foes.  They  immediately 
turned  their  arms  against  one  another,  and  soon  there  was  not 
one  of  the  dragon's  brood  left  alive.  The  Greeks  embraced 
their  hero,  and  Medea,  if  she  dared,  would  have  embraced 
him  too. 

Then  ^Eetes  promised  the  next  day  to  give  them  the  fleece, 
and  the  Greeks  went  joyfully  down  to  the  Argo  with  the  hero 
Jason  in  their  midst!  But  that  night  Medea  came  down  to 
Jason,  and  bade  him  make  haste  and  follow  her,  for  that  her 
father  proposed  the  next  morning  to  attack  the  Argonauts  and 
to  destroy  their  ship.  They  went  together  to  the  gi'ove  of  Mars, 
where  the  golden  fleece  hung  guarded  by  the  dreadful  dragon, 
who  glared  at  the  hero  and  his  conductor  with  his  great  round 
eyes  that  never  slept.  But  Medea  was  prepared,  and  began  her 
magic  songs  and  spells,  and  sprinkled  over  him  a  sleeping  potion 
which  she  had  j^repared  by  her  art.  At  the  smell  he  relaxed  his 
rage,  stood  for  a  moment  motionless,  then  shut  those  great  round 
eyes,  that  had  never  been  known  to  shut  before,  and  turned 
over  on  his  side,  fast  asleep.  Jason  seized  the  fleece,  and  with 
his  friends  and  Medea  accompanying,  hastened  to  their  vessel, 
before  ^etes,  the  king,  could  arrest  their  departure,  and 
made  the  best  of  their  way  back  to  Thessaly,  where  they 
arrived  safe,  and  Jason  delivered  the  fleece  to  Pelias,  and 
dedicated  the  Argo  to  Neptune.  What  became  of  the  fleece 
afterwards  we  do  not  know,  but  perhaps  it  was  found,  after 
all,  like  many  other  golden  prizes,  not  worth  the  trouble  it  had 
cost  to  procure  it. 


162  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

This  is  one  of  those  mythological  tales,  says  a  modern  writer, 
in  which  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  a  substratum  of  truth 
exists,  though  overlaid  by  a  mass  of  fiction.  It  probably  was 
the  first  important  maritime  expedition,  and  like  the  first  at- 
tempts of  the  kind  of  all  nations,  as  we  know  from  history, 
was  probably  of  a  half-piratical  character.  If  rich  spoils  were 
the  result,  it  was  enough  to  give  rise  to  the  idea  of  the  golden 
fleece. 

Another  suggestion  of  a  learned  mythologist,  Bryant,  is  that 
it  is  a  corrupt  tradition  of  the  story  of  Noah  and  the  ark.  The 
name  Argo  seems  to  countenance  this,  and  the  incident  of  the 
dove  is  another  confirmation. 

Pope,  in  his  Ode  on  St.  Cecilia's  Day,  thus  celebrates  the 
launching  of  the  ship  Argo,  and  the  power  of  the  music  of 
Orpheus,  whom  he  calls  the  Thracian :  — 

"  So  when  the  first  bold  vessel  dared  the  seas, 

High  on  the  stern  the  Thracian  raised  his  strain, 

While  Argo  saw  her  kindred  trees   , 
Descend  from  Pelion  to  the  main. 

Transported  demigods  stood  round, 

And  men  grew  heroes  at  the  sound." 

In  Dyer's  poem  of  The  Fleece  there  is  an  account  of  the 
ship  Argo  and  her  crew,  Avhich  gives  a  good  picture  of  this 
primitive  maritime  adventure:  — 

"  From  every  region  of  iEgea's  shore 
The  brave  assembled  ;  those  illustrious  twin*, 
Castor  and  Pollux ;  Orpheus,  tuneful  bard  ; 
Zetes  and  Calais,  as  the  wind  in  speed ; 
Strong  Hercules  and  many  a  chief  renowned. 
On  deep  Tolcos'  sandy  shore  they  thronged. 
Gleaming  in  armor,  ardent  of  exploits; 
And  soon,  the  laurel  cord  and  the  huge  stone 
Uplifting  to  the  deck,  unmoored  the  bark ; 
Whose  keel  of  wondrous  length  the  skilful  hand 
Of  Argus  fasliioned  for  the  proud  attempt; 
And  in  the  extended  keel  a  lofty  mast 
Upraised,  and  sails  full  swelling;  to  the  chiefs 
Unwonted  objects.    Now  first,  now  they  learned 
Their  bolder  steerage  over  ocean  wave. 
Led  by  the  golden  stars,  as  Chiron's  art 
Had  marked  the  sphere  celestial." 


MEDEA    AND    MSON.  1G3 

Hercules  left  the  expedition  at  Mysia,  for  Hylas,  a  youth 
beloved  by  him,  having  gone  for  water,  was  laid  hold  of  and 
kept  by  the  nymphs  of  the  spring,  who  were  fascinated  by  his 
beauty.  Hercules  went  in  quest  of  the  lad,  and  while  he  was 
absent  the  Argo  put  to  sea  and  left  him.     Moore,  in  one  of  his 


"  When  Hylas  was  sent  with  his  urn  to  the  fount, 

Thronj^h  fields  full  of  light  and  with  heart  full  of  play, 
Light  rambled  the  boy  over  meadow  and  mount, 
And  neglected  his  task  for  the  flowers  in  the  way. 

"  Thus  many  like  me,  who  in  youth  should  have  tasted 
The  fountain  that  runs  by  Philosophy's  shrine. 
Their  time  with  the  flowers  on  the  margin  have  wasted. 
And  left  their  light  urns  all  as  empty  as  mine." 

But  Hercules,  as  some  say,  went  onward  to  Colchis  by  land, 
and  there  perfoi'med  many  mighty  deeds,  and  wiped  away  the 
stain  of  cowardice  which  raisfht  have  clung  to  him. 


Medea  and  ^son. 

Amid  the  rejoicings  for  the  recovery  of  the  Golden  Fleece, 
Jason  felt  that  one  thing  was  Avanting,  the  presence  of  ^son, 
his  father,  who  was  prevented  by  his  age  and  infirmities  from 
taking  part  in  them.  Jason  said  to  Medea,  "  My  wife,  I  would 
that  your  arts,  whose  power  I  have  seen  so  mighty  for  my  aid, 
could  do  me  one  further  service,  and  take  some  years  from  my 
life  to  add  them  to  my  father's."  Medea  replied,  "  Not  at  such 
a  cost  shall  it  be  done,  but  if  my  art  avails  me,  his  life  shall  be 
lengthened  without  abridging  yours."  The  next  full  moon  she 
issued  forth  alone,  while  all  creatures  slept ;  not  a  breath  stirred 
the  foliage,  and  all  Avas  still.  To  the  stars  she  addressed  her 
incantations,  and  to  the  moon ;  to  Hecate,^  the  goddess  of  the 
underworld,  and  to  Tellus,  the  goddess  of  the  earth,  by  whose 

1  Hecate  was  a  mysterious  diviiiit}'  sometimes  identified  with  Diana  and  some- 
times with  Proserpine.  As  Diana  represents  the  moonlight  splendor  of  night,  so 
Hecate  represents  its  darkness  and  terrors.  She  was  the  goddess  of  sorcery  and 
witchcraft,  and  was  believed  to  wander  by  night  along  the  earth,  seen  only  by  the 
dogs  whose  barking  told  her  approacli. 


1G4 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


power  j)lants  potent  for  encliantinents  are  produced.  She 
invoked  the  gods  of  the  woods  and  caverns,  of  mountains  and 
valleys,  of  lakes  and  rivers,  of  winds  and  vapors.  While  she 
spoke  the  stars  shone  brighter,  and  presently  a  chariot  descended 
through  the  air,  drawn  by  flying  serpents.  She  ascended  it, 
and,  borne  aloft,  made  her  way  to  dis- 
tant regions,  where  potent  plants  grew 
which  she  knew  how  to  select  for  her 
purpose.  Nine  nights  she  employed 
in  her  search,  and  during  that  time 
came  not  within  the  doors  of  her  palace 
nor  under  any  roof,  and  shunned  all 
intercourse  with  mortals. 

She  next  erected  two  altars,  the  one 
to  Hecate,  the  other  to  Hebe,  the  god- 
dess of  youth,  and  sacrificed  a  black 
sheep,  pouring  libations  of  milk  and 
wine.  She  implored  Pluto  and  his 
stolen  bride  that  they  would  not 
hasten  to  take  the  old  man's  life. 
Then  she  directed  that  ^son  should 
be  led  forth,  and  having  thrown  him 
into  a  deep  sleep  by  a  charm,  had  him 
laid  on  a  bed  of  herbs,  like  one  dead. 
Jason  and  all  others  were  kept  away 
from  the  place,  that  no  profane  eyes 
might  look  upon  her  mysteries.  Then, 
Avith  streaming  hair,  she  thrice  moved 
round  the  altars,  dipped  flaming  twigs 
in  the  blood,  and  laid  them  thereon  to  burn.  Meanwhile  tlie 
caldron  with  its  contents  was  got  ready.  In  it  she  put  magic 
herbs,  with  seeds  and  flowers  of  acrid  juice,  stones  from  the 
distant  East,  and  sand  from  the  shore  of  all-surrounding  ocean  ; 
hoar  frost,  gathered  by  moonlight,  a  screech-owl's  head  and 
wings,  and  the  entrails  of  a  wolf.  She  added  fragments  of  the 
shells  of  tortoises,  and  the  liver  of  stags,  —  animals  tenacious  of 
life,  —  and  the  head  and  beak  of  a  crow,  that  outlives  nine 
generations  of  men.     These,  with  many  other  things  without  a 


1       A      _L 

1  ■;/;  3     X."^,  \\ 

It  fe^'> 

1  ^^\ 

]l|SK^^j|i2/^TO^-  ,, 

sll  1' 

11    f 

^1 

w 

~~~^-~J 

.s 

MEDEA    AND    ^SOX.  1G5 

name,  slie  boiled  together  for  her  purposed  work,  stirring  them 
up  with  a  dry  olive  branch  ;  and  behold,  the  branch  when  taken 
out  instantly  became  green,  and  before  long  was  covered  with 
leaves  and  a  plentiful  growth  of  young  olives ;  and  as  the 
liquor  boiled  and  bubbled,  and  sometimes  ran  over,  the  grass, 
Avherever  the  sprinklings  fell,  shot  forth  with  a  verdure  like 
that  of  spring. 

Seeing  that  all  was  ready,  Medea  cut  the  throat  of  the  old 
man  and  let  out  all  his  blood,  and  poured  into  his  mouth  and 
into  his  wound  the  juices  of  her  caldron.  As  soon  as  he  had 
completely  imbibed  them,  his  hair  and  beard  laid  by  their 
whiteness  and  assumed  the  blackness  of  youth ;  his  paleness 
and  emaciation  Avere  gone ;  his  veins  were  full  of  blood,  his 
limbs  of  vigor  and  robustness,  ^son  is  amazed  at  himself, 
and  remembers  that,  such  as  he  now  is  he  was  in  his  youthful 
days,  forty  years  before. 

Medea  used  her  arts  here  for  a  good  purpose,  but  not  so  in 
another  instance,  where  she  made  them  the  instruments  of 
revenge.  Pelias,  our  readers  will  recollect,  was  the  usurping 
uncle  of  Jason,  and  had  kept  him  out  of  his  kingdom.  Yet  he 
must  liave  had  some  good  qualities,  for  his  daughters  loved 
him,  and  when  they  saw  what  Medea  had  done  for  ^son,  they 
Avished  her  to  do  the  same  for  their  father.  Medea  pretended 
to  consent,  and  prepared  her  caldron  as  before.  At  her  request 
an  old  sheep  was  brought  and  plunged  into  the  caldron.  Very 
soon  a  bleating  was  heard  in  the  kettle,  and,  when  the  cover 
Avas  removed,  a  lamb  jumped  forth  and  ran  frisking  away  into 
the  meadow.  The  daughters  of  Pelias  saw  the  experiment 
Avith  delight,  and  appointed  a  time  for  their  father  to  undergo 
the  same  operation.  But  Medea  prepared  her  caldron  for  him 
in  a  very  different  Avay.  She  put  in  only  water  and  a  few 
simple  herbs.  In  the  night  she  Avith  the  sisters  entered  the 
bed-chamber  of  the  old  king,  Avhile  he  and  his  guards  slept 
soundly  under  the  influence  of  a  spell  cast  upon  them  by 
Medea.  The  daughters  stood  by  the  bedside  Avith  their 
Aveapons  draAvn,  but  hesitated  to  strike,  till  M^dea  chid  their 
irresolution.  Then,  turning  away  their  faces  and  giving  ran- 
dom blows,  they  smote  him  Avith  their  Aveapons.     He,  starting 


H)C)  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

from  his  sleep,  cried  out,  "  My  daughters,  what  are  you  doing? 
Will  you  kill  your  father  ?  "  Their  hearts  failed  them,  and  the 
weapons  fell  from  their  hands,  but  Medea  struck  him  a  fatal 
blow,  and  jirevented  his  saying  more. 

Then  they  placed  him  in  the  caldron,  and  Medea  haste'ned  to 
depart  in  her  serpent-drawn  chariot  before  they  discovered  her 
treachery,  for  their  vengeance  would  have  been  terrible.  She 
escaped,  however,  but  had  little  enjoyment  of  the  fruits  of  her 
crime.  Jason,  for  whom  she  had  done  so  much,  wishing  to 
marry  Creusa,  princess  of  Corinth,  put  away  Medea.  She,  en- 
raged at  his  ingratitude,  called  on  the  gods  for  vengeance,  sent 
a  poisoned  robe  as  a  gift  to  the  bride,  and  then  killing  her  own 
children,  and  setting  fire  to  tlie  palace,  mounted  her  serpent- 
drawn  chariot  and  tied  to  Athens,  where  she  married  King 
^geus,  the  father  of  Theseus  ;  and  we  ghall  meet  her  again 
when  we  come  to  the  adventures  of  that  hero. 

The  incantations  of  Medea  Mill  remind  the  reader  of  those 
of  the  witches  in  Macbeth.  The  following  lines  are  those  which 
seem  most  strikingly  to  recall  the  ancient  model :  — 

"  Round  about  the  caldron  po; 
In  the  poisoned  entrails  throw. 


And  again 


Fillet  of  a  fenny  snake 
In  the  caldron  boil  and  bake; 
Eye  of  newt  and  toe  of  frog, 
Wool  of  bat  and  tongue  of  dog. 
Adder's  fork  and  blind-worm's  sting, 
Lizard's  leg  and  howlet's  wing : 

Maw  of  ravening  salt-sea  shark, 
Root  of  hemlock  digged  in  the  dark." 

Macbeth,  Act  IV.,  Scene  1. 


Macbeth.  — What  is't  you  do  ? 
Pitches.  —  A  deed  without  a  name. 


There  is  another  story  of  Medea  almost  too  revolting  for 
record  even  of  a  sorceress,  a  class  of  persons  to  whom  both 
ancient  and  modern  poets  have  been  accustomed  to  attribute 
every  degree  of  atrocity.     In  her  flight  from  Colchis  she  had 


THE    CALYDONIAN    HUNT MELEAGAR.  1G7 

taken  her  young  brotlier  Absyrtus  with  her.  Finding  the 
])ursuing  vessels  of  ^etes  gaining  u^ion  the  Argonauts,  she 
caused  the  lad  to  be  killed  and  his  lunbs  to  be  strewn  over  the 
sea.  ^etes  on  reaching  the  place  found  these  sorrowful  traces 
of  his  murdered  son ;  but  while  he  tarried  to  collect  the  scat- 
tered fragments  and  bestow  upon  them  an  honorable  interment, 
tlie  Argonauts  escaped. 

In  the  poems  of  Campbell  will  be  found  a  translation  of  one 
of  the  choruses  of  the  tragedy  of  Medea,  where  the  poet 
Euripides  has  taken  advantage  of  the  occasion  to  pay  a  glowing 
tribute  to  Athens,  his  native  cLty.     It  begins  thus  :  — 

"  Oh,  haggai'd  queen !  to  Athens  dost  thou  guide 
Th}-  glowing  chariot,  steeped  in  kindred  gore ; 
Or  seek  to  liide  thy  damned  parricide 
Where  Peace  and  Justice  dwell  for  evermore  ? " 


The  Calydoxiax  Hunt.  —  Meleager  and  Atalanta. 

The  search  for  the  Golden  Fleece  was  undertaken  by  Jason, 
aided  by  heroes  from  all  Greece,  or  Hellas  as  it  was  then  called. 
It  was  the  first  of  their  common  undertakings  which  made  the 
Greeks  feel  that  they  were  in  truth  one  nation,  though  split  up 
into  many  small  kingdoms.  Another  of  tlieir  great  gatherings 
Avas  for  the  Calydonian  Hunt,  and  another,  the  greatest  and 
most  famous  of  all,  for  the  Trojan  War. 

The  hero  of  the  quest  for  the  Golden  Fleece  was  Jason. 
With  the  other  heroes  of  the  Greeks,  he  was  present  at  the 
Galydonian  Hunt.  But  the  chief  hero  was  Meleager,  the  son 
of  Qilneus,  king  of  Calydon,  and  Althea,  his  queen. 

Althea,  when  her  son  was  born,  beheld  the  three  Destinies, 
who,  as  they  spun  their  fatal  thread,  foretold  that  the  life  of 
the  child  should  last  no  longer  than  a  brand  then  burning 
upon  the  hearth.  Althea  seized  and  quenched  the  brand,  and 
carefully  preserved  it  for  years,  while  Meleager  grew  to  boy- 
hood, youth,  and  manhood.  It  chanced,  then,  that  CEneus,  as 
he  offered  sacrifices  to  the  gods,  omitted  to  pay  due  honors  to 
Diana ;  and  she,  indignant  at  the  neglect,  sent  a  wild  boar  of 


168 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


enormous  size  to  lay  waste  the  fields  of  Calydon.  Its  eyes 
shone  with  blood  and  fire,  its  bristles  stood  like  threatening 
spears,  its  tusks  were  like  those  of  Indian  elephants.  The 
growing  corn  Avas  trampled,  the  vines  and  olive-trees  laid 
waste,  the  flocks  and  herds  Avcre  driven  in  wild  confusion  by 
the   slaughtering   foe.      All   common    aid   seemed   vain ;   but 


MELEAGER  AND  ATALANTA. 


Meleager  called  on  the  heroes  of  Greece  to  join  in  a  bold  hunt 
for  the  ravenous  monster.  Theseus  and  his  friend  Pirithoiis, 
Jason,  Peleus  afterwards  the  father  of  Achilles,  Telamon  the 
father  of  Aja.v,  Nestor,  then  a  youth,  but  who  in  his  age  bore 
arms  with  Achilles  and  Ajax  in  the  Trojan  war,  — these  and 
many  more  joined  in  the  enterprise.  With  them  came  Ata- 
lanta,  the  daughter  of  lasius,  king  of  Arcadia.  A  buckle 
of  polished  gold  confined  her  Vest,  an  ivory  quiver  hung  on  her 
left  shoulder,  and  her  left  hand  bore  the  bow.  Her  face  blent 
feminine  beauty  with  the  best  graces  of  martial  youth.  Melea- 
ger saw  and  loved. 


THE  CALYDONIAN  HUNT.  MELEAGAR.       169 

But  now  already  they  were  near  the  monster's  lair.  They 
stretched  strong  nets  from  tree  to  tree ;  they  uncou})led  their 
dogs,  they  tried  to  find  the  footprints  of  their  quarry  in  the 
grass.  From  the  wood  was  a  descent  to  marshy  ground. 
Here  the  boar,  as  he  lay  among  the  reeds,  heard  the  shouts  of 
his  pursuers,  and  rushed  forth  against  them.  One  and  another 
is  thrown  down  and  slain.  Jason  throws  his  spear,  with  a 
prayer  to  Diana  for  success  ;  and  the  favoring  goddess  allows 
the  weapon  to  touch,  but  not  to  Avound,  removing  the  steel 
point  of  the  spear  even  in  its  flight.  Nestor,  assailed,  seeks 
and  finds  safety  in  the  branches  of  a  tree.  Telamon  rushes  on, 
but  stumbling  at  a  projecting  root,  falls  prone.  But  an  arrow 
from  Atalanta  at  length  for  the  first  time  tastes  the  monster's 
blood.  It  is  a  slight  wound,  but  Meleager  sees  and  joyfully 
proclaims  it.  Anceus,  excited  to  envy  by  the  praise  given  to 
a  female,  loudly  proclaims  his  own  valor,  and  defies  alike  the 
boar  and  the  goddess  who  had  sent  it;  but  as  he  rushes  on,  the 
infuriated  beast  lays  him  low  with  a  mortal  wound.  Theseus 
throws  his  lance,  but  it  is  turned  aside  by  a  projecting  bough. 
The  dart  of  Jason  misses  its  object,  and  kills  instead  one 
of  their  own  dogs.  But  Meleager,  after  one  unsuccessful 
stroke,  drives  his  spear  into  the  monster's  side,  then  rushes  on 
and  despatches  him  with  repeated  blows. 

Then  rose  a  shout  from  those  around  ;  they  congratulated 
the  conqueror,  crowding  to  touch  his  hand.  He,  placing  his 
foot  upon  the  slain  boar,  turned  to  Atalanta  and  bestowed  on 
lier  the  head  and  the  rough  hide  which  were  the  trophies  of  his 
success.  But  at  this,  envy  excited  the  rest  to  strife.  Phlexip- 
])us  and  Toxeus,  the  uncles  of  Meleager  and  Althea's  broth- 
ers, beyond  the  rest  opposed  the  gift,  and  snatched  from  the 
maiden  the  trophy  she  had  received.  Meleager,  kindling  with 
rage  at  the  wrong  done  to  himself,  and  still  more  at  the  insult 
offered  to  her  Avhom  he  loved,  forgot  the  claims  of  kindred, 
and  plunged  his  sword  into  the  offenders'  liearts. 

As  Althea  bore  gifts  of  thankfulness  to  the  temples  for  the 
victory  of  her  son,  the  bodies  of  her  murdered  brothers  met 
lier  sight.  She  shrieks,  and  beats  her  breast,  and  hastens  to 
cliange  the  garments  of  rejoiciug  for  those  of  mourning.     But 


170  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

when  the  author  of  the  deed  is  known,  grief  gives  way  to  the 
stern  desire  of  vengeance  on  her  son.  The  fatal  brand,  whicli 
once  slie  rescued  from  the  flames,  the  brand  wliich  the  Desti- 
nies had  linked  with  Meleager's  life,  she  brings  forth,  and 
commands  a  fire  to  lie  prepared.  Then  four  times  she  essays 
to  place  the  brand  upon  the  pile ;  four  times  draws  back,  shud- 
dering at  the  thought  of  bringing  destruction  on  her  son.  The 
feelings  of  the  mother  and  the  sister  contend  within  her.  Now 
she  is  pale  at  the  thought  of  the  purposed  deed,  now  fluslied 
again  with  anger  at  the  act  of  her  son.  As  a  vessel,  driven  in 
one  direction  by  the  wind,  and  in  the  opposite  by  the  tide,  the 
mind  of  Althea  hangs  suspended  in  uncertainty.  But  now  the 
sister  prevails  above  the  mother,  and  she  begins  as  slie  holds 
the  fatal  Avood  :  "  Turn,  ye  Furies,  goddesses  of  punishment ! 
turn  to  behold  the  sacrifice  I  bring!  Crime  must  atone  for 
crime.  Shall  Q^neus  rejoice  in  his  victor  son,  while  the  house 
of  Thestius  ^  is  desolate '?  But,  alas  !  to  what  deed  am  I  borne 
along?  Brothers,  forgive  a  mother's  Aveakness  !  my  liand  fails 
me.  He  deserves  death,  but  not  that  I  sliould  destroy  him. 
But  sliall  he  then  live,  and  triumph,  and  reign  over  Calydon, 
while  you,  my  brothers,  wander  unavenged  among  the  shades  ? 
No!  thou  hast  lived  by  my  gift;  die,  now,  for  thine  own  crime. 
Return  the  life  which  twice  I  gave  thee,  first  at  thy  birth,  again 
wlien  I  snatched  this  brand  from  the  flames.  O  that  thou 
liadst  then  died  !  Alas!  evil  is  tlie  conquest;  but,  brothers, 
ye  have  conquered."  And,  turning  away  her  face,  she  threw 
the  fatal  wood  upon  the  burning  pile. 

It  gave,  or  seemed  to  give,  a  deadly  groan.  Meleager,  absent 
and  unknowing  of  the  cause,  felt  a  sudden  pang.  He  burns, 
and  only  by  courageous  pride  conquers  the  pain  which  destroys 
him.  He  mourns  only  that  he  perishes  by  a  bloodless  and  un- 
honored  death.  With  his  last  breath  he  calls  upon  liis  aged 
father,  his  brother,  and  his  fond  sisters,  upon  his  beloved  Ata- 
lanta',  and  upon  his  mother,  tlie  unknown  cause  of  his  fate. 
The  flames  increase,  and  with  them  the  pain  of  the  hero.  Now 
both  subside;  now  both   are  quenched.     The  brand  is  ashes, 

'  Thestius  was  father  of  Toxeus,  Phlexiispus  and  AUhea. 


ATALANTA.  171 

and  the  life  of  Meleager  is  breathed  forth  to  the  wandering 
winds. 

Althea,  when  the  deed  was  done,  laid  violent  hands  upon 
herself.  The  sisters  of  Meleager  mourned  their  brother  with 
inicontrollable  grief;  till  Diana,  pitying  the  sorrows  of  the 
house  that  once  had  aroused  her  anger,  turned  them  into  birds, 

Atalanta. 

The  innocent  cause  of  so  much  sorrow  Avas  a  maiden  whose 
face  you  might  truly  say  was  boyish  for  a  girl,  yet  too  girlish 
for  a  boy.  Her  fortune  had  been  told,  and  it  was  to  this 
effect :  "  Atalanta,  do  not  marry ;  marriage  will  be  your  ruin." 
Terrified  by  this  oracle,  she  fled  the  society  of  men,  and  devoted 
herself  to  the  sports  of  the  chase.  To  all  suitors  (for  she  had 
many)  she  imposed  a  condition  which  was  generally  effectual 
in  relieving  her  of  their  persecutions :  —  "I  will  be  the  prize  of 
him  who  sliall  conquer  me  in  the  race ;  but  death  must  be  the 
])enalty  of  all  who  try  and  fail,"  In  spite  of  this  hard  condi- 
tion some  would  try.  Ilippomenes  was  to  be  judge  of  the 
race.  "  Can  it  be  possible  that  any  will  be  so  rash  as  to  risk 
so  much  for  a  wife  ?  "  said  he.  But  when  he  saw  her  lay  aside 
her  robe  for  the  race,  he  changed  his  mind,  and  said,  "  Pardon 
me,  youths,  I  knew  not  the  prize  you  were  competing  for." 
As  he  surveyed  them  he  Avished  them  all  to  be  beaten,  and 
swelled  with  envy  of  any  one  that  seemed  at  all  likely  to  win. 
While  such  were  his  thoughts,  the  virgin  darted  forward.  As 
she  ran,  she  looked  more  beautiful  than  ever.  The  breezes 
seemed  to  give  wings  to  her  feet ;  her  hair  flew  over  her  shoul- 
ders, and  the  gay  fringe  of  her  garment  fluttered  behind  her. 
A  ruddy  hue  tinged  the  whiteness  of  her  skin,  such  as  a  crim- 
son curtain  casts  on  a  marble  wall.  All  her  competitors  were 
distanced,  and  wei-e  put  to  death  without  mercy.  Hippomenes, 
not  daunted  by  this  result,  fixing  his  eyes  on  the  virgin,  said, 
"  Why  boast  of  beating  those  laggards  ?  I  offer  myself  for  the 
contest."  Atalanta  looked  at  him  with  a  pitying  countenance, 
and  hardly  knew  whether  she  would  rather  conquer  him  or 


172  STORIES    or    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

not.  "  What  god  can  tempt  one  so  young  and  handsome  to 
throw  himself  away?  I  pity  liim,  not  for  his  beauty  (yet  he  is 
beautiful),  but  for  his  youth.  I  wish  he  would  give  up  the 
race,  or  if  he  will  be  so  mad,  I  hope  he  may  outrun  me." 
While  she  hesitates,  revolving  these  thoughts,  the  spectators 
grow  impatient  for  the  race,  and  her  father  prompts  lier  to 
prepare.  Then  Hippomenes  addressed  a  prayer  to  Venus: 
"  Help  me,  Yenus,  for  you  have  led  me  on."  Venus  heard, 
and  was  propitious. 

In  the  garden  of  her  temple,  in  her  own  island  of  Cyprus,  is 
a  tree  with  yellow  leaves  and  yellow  branches,  and  golden 
fruit.  Hence  Venus  gathered  three  golden  apples,  and,  unseen 
by  all  else,  gave  them  to  Hippomenes,  and  told  him  how  to  use 
them.  The  signal  is  given ;  each  starts  from  the  goal,  and  skims 
over  the  sand.  So  light  their  tread,  you  would  almost  have 
thought  they  might  run  over  the  river  surface  or  over  the  Avav- 
ing  grain  without  sinking.  The  cries  of  the  spectators  cheered 
on  Hippomenes  :  —  "  Xow,  now  do  your  best !  haste,  haste  ! 
you  gain  on  her  !  relax  not !  one  more  effort !  "  It  was  doubt- 
ful Avhether  the  youth  or  the  maiden  heard  these  cries  with  the 
greater  pleasure.  But  his  breath  began  to  fail  him,  his  throat 
was  dry,  the  goal  yet  far  off.  At  that  moment  he  threw  down 
one  of  the  golden  apples.  The  virgin  was  all  amazement.  She 
stopped  to  pick  it  up.  Hippomenes  shot  ahead.  Shouts  burst 
forth  from  all  sides.  She  redoubled  her  efforts,  and  soon  over- 
took him.  Again  he  threw  an  apple.  She  stopj^ed  again,  but 
again  came  up  with  him.  The  goal  was  near ;  one  chance  only 
remained.  "Xow,  goddess,"  said  he,  "prosper  your  gift!" 
and  threw  the  last  a])ple  off  at  one  side.  She  looked  at  it,  and 
hesitated ;  Venus  impelled  her  to  turn  aside  for  it.  She  did 
so,  and  was  vanquished.     The  youth  carried  off  his  prize. 

But  the  lovers  were  so  full  of  their  own  happiness  that  they 
forgot  to  pay  due  honor  to  Venus ;  and  the  goddess  was  pro- 
voked at  their  ingratitude.  She  caused  them  to  give  offence 
to  Cybele.  That  powerful  goddess  was  not  to  be  ijisulted  with 
impunity.  She  took  from  them  their  human  form  and  turned 
them  into  animals  of  characters  resembling  their  own :  of  the 
huntress-heroine,   triumphing  in   the  blood  of  her  lovers,  she 


ATALANTA. 


173 


made  a  lioness,  and  of  her  lord  and  master  a  lion,  and  yoked 
them  to  her  car,  where  they  are  still  to  be  seen  in  all  repre- 
sentations, in  statuary  or  painting,  of  the  goddess  Cybele. 

Cybele  is  the  Latin  name  of  the  goddess  called  by  the  Greeks 
Rhea  and  Ops.     She  was  the  wife  of  Cronos  and  mother  of 


Zeus.  In  works  of  art,  she  exhibits  the  matronly  air  which 
distinguishes  Juno  and  Ceres.  Sometimes  she  is  veiled,  and 
seated  on  a  throne  with  lions  at  her  side,  at  otlier  times  rid- 
ing in  a  chariot  drawn  by  lions.  She  sometimes  '■wears  a 
mural  crown,  that  is,  a  crown  whose  rim  is  carved  in  the 
form  of  towers  and  battlements.  Her  priests  were  called 
Corybantes. 


174  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Byron  in  describing  the  city  of  Venice,  which  is  built  on  a 
low  island  in  the  Adriatic  Sea,  borrows  an  illustration  from. 
Cybele :  — 

"  She  looks  a  sea-Cybcle  fresh  from  ocean, 
Rising  with  her  tiara  of  proud  towers 
At  airy  distance,  with  majestic  motion, 
A  ruler  of  the  waters  and  their  powers." 

Childe  Harold,  IV, 

In  Moore's  Rhymes  on  the  Road,  the  poet,  speaking  of  Al- 
])ine  scenery,  alludes  to  the  story  of  Atalanta  and  Hippomenes, 
thus : — 

"  Even  here,  in  this  region  of  wonders,  I  find 
That  li^ht-footed  Fancy  leaves  Truth  far  l)chind. 
Or  at  least,  like  Hippomenes,  turns  her  astray 
By  the  golden  illusions  he  flings  in  her  way." 


CHAPTER  XII. 


HERCULES.— HEBE   AOT)   GANYMEDE. 


HERCULES  (in  Greek,  Heracles)  was  the  son  of  Jupiter 
and  Alcmena.  As  Juno  was  alwaj^s  hostile  to  the  off- 
s[)ring  of  her  husband  by  mortal  mothers,  she  declared  Avar 
against  Hercules  from  his  birth.  She  sent  two  serpents  to 
destroy  him  as  he  lay  in  his  cradle,  but  the  precocious  infant 
strangled  them  with  his  own  hands.^  He  was  however  by  the  arts 
of  Juno  rendered  subject  to  his  cousin  Eurystheus  and  compelled 
to  perform  all  his  commands.  Eurystheus  enjoined  upon  him  a 
succession  of  desperate  adventures,  which  are  called  the  twelve 
"  Labors  of  Hercules."  The  first  was  the  fight  with  the 
Nemean  lion.  The  valley  of  Nemea  was  infested  by  a  terrible 
lion.  Eurystheus  ordered  Hercules  to  bring  him  the  skin  of 
this  monster.  After  using  in  vain  his  club  and  arroAvs  against 
the  lion,  Hercules  strangled  the  animal  Avith  his  hands.  He 
returned  carrying  the  dead  lion  on  his  shoulders ;  but  Eurys- 

'  On  this  account  the  infant  Hercules  was  made  the  type  of  infant  America,  by 
Dr.  Franklin,  and  the  French  artists  whom  he  employed  in  the  American  Revo- 
lution. Horatio  Grcenough  has  placed  a  bas-relief  of  the  Infant  Hercules  on  the 
pedestal  of  his  statue  of  Washington,  which  stands  in  front  of  the  Capitol. 

(175) 


176  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

tlieus  was  so  frightened  at  the  sight  of  it  and  at  this  2:)roof  of 
the  prodigious  strength  of  the  hero,  that  he  ordered  him  to 
deliver  the  account  of  his  exploits  in  future  outside  the  town. 

His  next  labor  Avas  to  slaughter  the  Hydra.  This  monster 
ravaged  the  country  of  Argos,  and  dwelt  in  a  swamp  near  the 
well  of  Amymone,  of  which  the  story  is  that  when  the  country 
was  suffering  from  drought,  Neptune,  who  loved  her,  had 
permitted  her  to  touch  the  rock  with  his  trident,  and  a  spring 
of  three  outlets  burst  forth.  Here  the  Hydra  took  up  his 
position,  and  Hercules  was  sent  to  destroy  him.  The  Hydra 
had  nine  heads,  of  which  the  middle  one  was  immortal.  Her- 
cules struck  off  its  head  with  his  club,  but  in  the  place  of  the 
head  knocked  off,  two  new  ones  grew  forth  each  time.  ^Vt 
length  with  the  assistance  of  his  faithful  servant  lolaus,  he 
burned  away  the  heads  of  the  Hydra,  and  buried  the  ninth  or 
immortal  one  under  a  huge  rock. 

Another  labor  was  tliQ  cleaning  of  the  Augean  stables. 
Augeas,  king  of  Elis,  had  a  herd  of  three  thousand  oxen, 
whose  stalls  had  not  been  cleansed  for  thirty  years.  Hci-cules 
brought  the  rivers  Alpheus  and  Peneus  through  them,  and 
cleansed  them  thoroughly  in  one  day. 

His  next  labor  was  of  a  more  delicate  kind.  Admeta,  the 
daughter  of  Eurystheus,  longed  to  obtain  the  girdle  of  the 
queen  of  the  Amazons,  and  Eurystheus  ordered  Hercules  to  go 
and  get  it.  The  Amazons  were  a  nation  of  women.  They 
were  very  warlike  and  held  several  flourishing  cities.  It  was 
their  custom  to  bring  up  only  the  female  children ;  the  boys 
were  either  sent  away  to  the  neighboring  nations  or  put  to 
death.  Hercules  was  accompanied  by  a  number  of  volunteers, 
and  after  various  adventures  at  last  reached  the  country  of  the 
Amazons.  Hippolyta,  the  queen,  received  him  kindly,  and 
consented  to  yield  him  her  girdle ;  but  Juno,  taking  the  form 
of  an  Amazon,  went  among  the  other  Amazons  and  persuadeil 
them  that  the  strangers  were  carrying  off  their  queen.  The 
Amazons  instantly  armed  and  came  in  great  numbers  down 
to  the  ship.  Hercules,  thinking  that  Hippolyta  had  acte<l 
treacherously,  slew  her,  and  taking  her  girdle,  made  sail  home- 
wards. 


HERCULES. 


177 


Another  task  enjoined  him  was  to  bring  to  Eurystheus  the 
oxen  of  Geryon,  a  monster  with  three  bodies,  who  dwelt  in  the 
island  Erytheia  (the  red),  so  called  because  it  lay  at  the  west, 
under  the  rays  of  the  setting  sun.  This  description  is  thought 
to  apply  to  Spain,  of  which  Geryon  was  said  to  be  king.  After 
travershig  various  countries,  Hercules  reached  at  length  the 


XFAXT    nEl'.ClLES. 


frontiers  of  Libya  and  Europe,  where  he  raised  the  two  moun- 
tains of  Calpe  and  Abyla,  as  monuments  of  his  progress, 
or  according  to  another  account  rent  one  mountain  into  two 
and  left  half  on  each  side,  forming  the  Straits  of  Gibraltar,  the 
two  mountains  being  called  the  Pillars  of  Hercules.  The  oxen 
were  guarded  by  the  giant  Eurytion  and  his  two-headed  dog, 
but  Hercules  killed  the  giant  and  his  dog  and  brought  away 
the  oxen  in  safety  to  Eurystheus. 

The  most  difficult  labor  of  all  was  bringing  the  golden  apples 
of  the  Hesperides,  for  Hercules  did  not  know  where  to  find 
them.     These  were  the  apples  which  Juno  had  received  at  her 


178  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND   HEROES. 

wedding  from  tlie  goddess  of  the  Earth,  and  which  she  had 
intrusted  .to  the  keeping  of  the  daughters  of  Hesperis,  assisted 
by  a  watchful  dragon.  After  various  adventures  Hercules 
arrived  at  Mount  Atlas  in  Africa.  Atlas  was  one  of  the  Titans 
Avho  had  warred  against  the  gods,  and  after  they  were  sub- 
dued, Atlas  Avas  condemned  to  bear  on  his  shoulders  the 
weight  of  the  heavens.  He  was  the  father  of  the  Hesperides, 
and  Hercules  thought,  might,  if  any  one  could,  find  the  ajjples 
and  bring  them  to  him.  But  how  to  send  Atlas  away  from  his 
post,  or  bear  up  the  heavens  while  he  was  gone?  Hercules 
took  the  burden  on  his  own  shoulders,  and  sent  Atlas  to  seek 
the  apples.  He  returned  with  them,  and  though  somewhat 
reluctantly,  took  his  burden  upon  his  shoulders  again,  and  let 
Hercules  return  with  the  apples  to  Eurystheus.' 

Milton  in  his  Comus  makes  the  Hesperieds  the  daughters  of 
Hesperus,  and  nieces  of  Atlas  :  — 

" amidst  the  f^'ii'tlens  fair 

Of  Hesperus  and  his  daughters  three, 
That  siug  about  tlie  golden  tree." 

The  poets,  led  by  the  analogy  of  the  lovely  appearance  of  the 
western  sky  at  sunset,  viewed  the  west  as  a  region  of  brightness 
and  glory.  Hence  they  placed  in  it  the  Isles  of  the  blest,  the 
ruddy  isle  Erytheia,  on  which  the  bright  oxen  of  Geryon  were 
pastured,  and  the  isle  of  the  Hesperides.  The  apples  are  sup- 
posed by  some  to  be  the  oranges  of  Spain,  of  which  the  Greeks 
had  heard  some  obscure  accounts. 

A  celebrated  exploit  of  Hercules  Avas  his  victory  over  Antaeus. 
AntfBus,  the  son  of  Terra  (the  Earth),  Avas  a  mighty  giant  and 
Avrestler,  whose  strength  Avas  invincible  so  long  as  he  remained 
in  contact  Avith  his  mother  Earth.  He  compelled  all  strangers 
Avho  came  to  his  country  to  wrestle  with  him,  on  condition  that 
if  conquered  (as  they  all  were),  they  should  be  put  to  death. 

1  Hercules  was  a  descendant  of  Perseus.  Perseus  changed  Atlas  to  stone. 
How  could  Hercules  take  his  place  ?  This  is  onlj'  one  of  the  many  anachronisms 
found  in  ancient  mythology. 


HERCULES.  179 

Hercules  encountered  him,  and  finding  that  it  -was  of  no  avail 
to  throw  him,  for  he  always  rose  with  renewed  strength  from 
every  fall,  he  lifted  him  up  from  the  earth  and  strangled  him  in 
the  air. 

Cacus  was  a  huge  giant,  Avho  inhabited  a  cave  on  Mount 
Aventine,^  and  plundered  the  surrounding  country.  When 
Hercules  was  driving  home  the  oxen  of  Geryon,  Cacus  stole 
part  of  the  cattle,  Avhile  the  hero  slept.  That  their  foot-prints 
might  not  serve  to  show  where  they  had  been  driven,  lie 
dragged  them  backward  by  their  tails  to  his  cave;  so  their 
tracks  all  seemed  to  show  that  they  had  gone  in  the  opposite 
direction.  Hercules  was  deceived  by  this  stratagem,  and  would 
have  failed  to  find  his  oxen,  if  it  had  not  happened  that  in 
driving  the  remainder  of  the  herd  past  the  cave  where  the 
stolen  ones  were  concealed,  those  within  began  to  low,  and 
were  thus  discovered.     Cacus  was  slain  by  Hercules. 

The  last  exploit  we  shall  record  was  bringing  Cerberus  from 
the  lower  world.  Hercules  descended  into  Hades,  accompanied 
by  Mercury  and  Minerva.  He  obtained  permission  from  Pluto 
to  carry  Cerberus  to  the  upper  air,  provided  he  could  do  it 
without  the  use  of  weapons ;  and  in  spite  of  the  monster's 
struggling  he  seized  him,  held  him  fast,  and  carried  him  to 
Eurystheus,  and  afterwards  brought  him  back  again.  When 
he  was  in  Hades  he  obtained  the  liberty  of  Theseus,  his  ad- 
mirer and  imitator,  who  had  been  detained  a  prisoner  there 
for  an  unsuccessful  attempt  to  carry  off  Proserpine. 

Hercules  in  a  fit  of  madness  killed  his  friend  Iphitus  and 
was  condemned  for  this  offence  to  become  the  slave  of  Queen 
Omphale  for  three  years.  While  in  this  service  the  hero's 
nature  seemed  changed.  He  lived  effeminately,  wearing  at 
times  the  dress  of  a  woman,  and  spinning  wool  Avith  the  hand- 
maidens of  Omphale,  while  the  queen  wore  his  lion's  skin. 
When  this  service  was  ended  he  married  Dejanira  and  lived 
in  peace  with  her  three  years.  On  one  occasion  as  he  was 
travelling  Avith  his  wife,  they  came  to  a  river,  across  which  the 
Centaur  Nessus  carried  travellers  for  a  stated  fee.  Hercules 
himself  forded  the  river,  but  gave  Dejanira  to  Nessus  to  be 

1  One  of  the  seven  hills  of  Rome. 


180  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

carried  across.  Nessus  attempted  to  run  away  with  her,  but 
Hercules  heard  her  cries,  and  shot  an  arrow  into  the  heart  of 
Nessus.  The  dying  Centaur  told  Dejanira  to  take  a  portion 
of  his  blood  and  keep  it,  as  it  might  be  used  as  a  charm  to 
preserve  the  love  of  her  husband. 

Dejanira  did  so,  and  before  long  fancied  she  had  occasion  to 
use  it.  Hercules  in  one  of  his  conquests  had  taken  prisoner  a 
fair  maiden,  named  lole,  of  whom  he  seemed  more  fond  than 
Dejanira  approved.  When  Hercules  was  about  to  offer  sacri- 
fices to  the  gods  in  honor  of  his  victory,  he  sent  to  his  wife  for 
a  white  robe  to  use  on  the  occasion.  Dejanira,  thinking  it  a 
good  opportunity  to  try  her  love-spell,  steeped  the  garment  in 
the  blood  of  Xessus.  AVe  are  to  suppose  she  took  care  to  wash 
out  all  traces  of  it,  but  the  magic  poAver  remained,  and  as  soon 
as  the  garment  became  warm  on  the  body  of  Hercules,  the 
poison  penetrated  into  all  his  limbs  and  caused  him  the  most 
intense  agony.  In  his  frenzy  lie  seized  Lichas,  who  had  brought 
him  the  fatal  robe,  and  liurled  him  into  the  sea.  He  wrenched 
off  the  garment,  but  it  stuck  to  his  flesh,  and  with  it  he  tore 
away  whole  pieces  of  his  body.  In  this  state  he  embarked  on 
board  a  ship  and  was  conveyed  home.  Dejanira  on  seeing 
what  she  had  unwittingly  done,  hung  herself.  Hercules,  pre- 
pared to  die,  ascended  Mount  (Eta,  where  he  built  a  funeral 
pile  of  trees,  gave  his  bow  and  arrows  to  Philoctetes,  and  laid 
himself  down  on  the  pile,  his  head  resting  on  his  club,  and  his 
lion's  skin  spread  over  him.  With  a  countenance  as  serene  as 
if  he  were  taking  his  place  at  a  festal  board,  he  commanded 
Philoctetes  to  apply  the  torch.  The  flames  spread  apace  and 
soon  invested  the  whole  mass. 

Milton  thus  alludes  to  the  frenzy  of  Hercules :  — 

"  As  when  Alcides,i  from  OEchalia  crowned 
With  conquest,  felt  the  envenomecl  robe,  and  tore, 
Tliroiiyh  pain,  up  by  the  roots  Thessalian  pines 
And  Liehas  from  the  top  of  CEta  threw 
Into  the  Euboic  Sea." 

The  gods  themselves  felt  troubled  at  seeing  the  champion  of 
1  Alcides,  a  name  of  Hercules;  the  word  means  "descendant  of  Alcaeus." 


HERCULES.  181 

the  earth  so  brought  to  his  end;  but  Jupiter  with  clieerful 
countenance  thus  addressed  them :  "  I  am  pleased  to  see  your 
concern,  my  princes,  and  am  gratified  to  perceive  tliat  I  am 
the  ruler  of  a  loyal  people,  and  that  my  son  enjoys  your  favor. 
J'or  although  your  interest  in  him  arises  from  his  noble  deeds, 
yet  it  is  not  the  less  gratifying  to  me.  But  now  I  say  to  you, 
Fear  not.  He  who  conquered  all  else  is  not  to  be  conquered 
by  those  flames  which  you  see  blazing  on  Mount  Qilta.  Only 
his  mother's  share  in  him  can  perish ;  what  he  derived  from 
me  is  immortal.  I  shall  take  him,  dead  to  earth,  to  the  heav- 
enly shores,  and  I  require  of  you  all  to  receive  him  kindly.  If 
any  of  you  feel  grieved  at  his  attaining  this  honor,  yet  no  one 
can  deny  that  he  has  deserved  it."  The  gods  all  gave  their 
assent;  Juno  only  heard  the  closing  Avords  with  some  dis- 
pleasure that  she  should  be  so  particularly  pointed  at,  yet  not 
enough  to  make  her  regret  the  determination  of  her  husband. 
So  when  the  flames  had  consumed  the  mother's  share  of  Her- 
cules, the  diviner  part,  instead  of  being  injured  thereby,  seemed 
to  start  forth  with  new  vigor,  to  assume  a  more  lofty  port  and 
a  more  awful  dignity.  Jupiter  enveloped  him  in  a  cloud,  and 
took  him  up  in  a  four-horse  chariot  to  dwell  among  the  stars. 
As  he  took  his  place  in  heaven.  Atlas  felt  the  added  weight. 

Juno,  now  reconciled  to  him,  gave  him  her  daughter  Hebe 
in  marriage. 

The  poet  Schiller,  in  one  of  his  pieces  called  the  Ideal  and 
Life,  illustrates  the  contrast  between  the  practical  and  the 
imaginative  in  some  beautiful  stanzas,  of  which  the  last  two 
may  be  thus  translated  :  — 

"  Deep  degraded  to  a  coward's  slave, 
Endless  contests  bore  Alcides  brave, 
Through  the  thorny  path  of  siitfering  led  ; 
Slew  the  Hydra,  crushed  the  lion's  might,    . 
Threw  himself,  to  bring  his  friend  to  light, 
Living,  in  the  skiff  that  bears  the  dead. 
All  the  torments,  ever}'  toil  of  earth 
Juno's  hatred  on  him  could  impose. 
Well  he  bore  them,  from  his  felted  birth 
To  life's  grandly  mournful  close. 


182 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND   HEROES. 


'  Till  the  god,  the  earthly  part  forsaken, 
From  the  man  in  flames  asunder  taken, 
Drank  the  heavenly  ether's  purer  breath. 
Joyous  in  the  new  unwonted  lightness, 
Soared  he  upwards  to  celestial  brightness, 
Earth's  dark  heavy  burden  lost  in  death. 
High  Olympus  gives  harmonious  greeting 
To  the  hall  where  reigns  his  sire  adored ; 
Youth's  bright  goddess,  with  a  blush  at  meeting, 
Gives  the  nectar  to  her  lord." 

S.  G.  Bidfinch. 


-^    J^^J    -^ 


GANYMEDE. 


Hebe  and  Ganymede. 

Hebe,  the  daughter  of  Juno,  and  goddess  of  youth,  was  cup- 
bearer to  the  gods.  The  usual  story  is,  that  she  resigned  her 
office  on  becoming  the  wife  of  Hercules.  But  there  is  another 
statement  which  our  countryman  Crawford,  the  sculptor,  has 


HEBE    AND    GANYMEDE.  183 

adopted  in  his  group  of  Hebe  and  Ganymede,  now  in  the  gal- 
lery of  the  Boston  Athenaeum.  According  to  this,  Hebe  was 
dismissed  from  her  office  in  consequence  of  a  fall  which  she 
met  with  one  day  when  in  attendance  on  the  gods.  Her  suc- 
cessor was  Ganymede,  a  Trojan  boy  whom  Jupiter,  in  the 
disguise  of  an  eagle,  seized  and  carried  off  from  the  midst  of 
his  playfellows  on  Mount  Ida,  bore  up  to  heaven,  and  installed 
in  the  vacant  place. 

Tennyson,  in  his  Palace  of  Art,  describes  among  the  decora- 
tions on  the  walls,  a  picture  representing  this  legend  :  — 

"  There,  too,  flushed  Ganymede  >  his  rosy  thigh 
Half  buried  iu  the  eagle's  down, 
Sole  as  a  flying  star  shot  through  the  sky 
Above  the  pillared  town." 

And  in  Shelley's  Prometheus,  Jupiter  calls  to  his  cup-bearer 
thus : — 

"  Pour  forth  heaven's  wine,  Id^an  Ganymede, 
And  let  it  fill  the  Daedal  cups  like  fire." 

The  beautiful  legend  of  the  Choice  of  Hercules  may  be  found 
in  the  Tatler,  No.  97.  The  same  story  is  told  in  the  Memora- 
bilia of  Xenophon, 

1  The  pronunciation  of  Ganymede  as  an  English  word  of  three  syllables  has 
the  authority  of  Shakespeare.  As  a  Greek  or  Latin  word  the  final  e  must  be 
sounded. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


THESEUS.— D.EDALUS.— CASTOR  AXD  POLLUX. 


THESEUS  was  the  son  of  iEgeiis,  king  of  Athens,  and  of 
^thra,  dangliter  of  the  king  of  Trci^zene.  He  was  brought 
up  at  Troezene,  and,  when  arrived  at  manhood,  was  to  j^roceed 
to  Athens  and  present  himself  to  liis  father.  iEgeus,  on  part- 
ing from  J^thra,  before  the  birth  of  his  son,  placed  his  sword 
and  shoes  under  a  large  stone,  and  dii'ected  her  to  send  his  son 
to  him  when  he  became  strong  enough  to  roll  away  the  stone 
and  take  them  from  under  it.  When  she  thought  the  time  had 
come,  his  mother  led  Theseus  to  the  stone,  and  he  removed  it 
with  ease,  and  took  the  sword  and  shoes.  As  the  roads  Avere 
infested  with  robbers,  his  grandfather  pressed  him  earnestly  to 
take  the  shorter  and  safer  way  to  his  father's  country,  by  sea; 
but  the  youth,  feeling  in  himself  the  spirit  and  the  soul  of  a 
hero,  and  eager  to  signalize  himself  like  Hercules,  with  whose 
fame  all  Greece  then  rang,  by  destroying  the  evil-doers  and 
monsters  that  oppressed  the  country,  detei-mined  on  the  more 
perilous  and  adventurous  journey  by  land. 

His  first  day's  journey  brought  him  to  Epidaiirus,  where 
dwelt  a  man  named  Periphetes,  a  son  of  Yulcan.  This  fero- 
cious savage  always  went  armed  with  a  club  of  iron,  and  all 

(18-t) 


185 


travellers  stood  in  terror  of  his  violence.  When  he  Saw  The- 
seus approach,  he  assailed  him,  but  speedily  fell  beneath  the 
blows  of  the  young  hero,  who  took  possession  of  his  club,  antl 
bore  it  ever  afterwards  as  a  memorial  of  his  first  victory. 

Several  similar  contests  w-ith  the  petty  tyrants  and  maraud- 
ers of  the  country  followed,  in  all  of  wdiich  Theseus  w\as  victo- 
rious.    One  of  these  evil-doers  was  called  Procrustes,  or  the 


JiTHltA  AND  ^GiilS. 


Stretcher.  He  had  an  iron  bedstead,  on  wdiich  he  used  to  tie 
all  travellers  wdio  fell  into  his  hands.  If  they  w^ere  shorter 
than  the  bed,  he  stretched  their  limbs  to  make  them  fit  it ;  if 
they  were  longer  than  the  bed,  he  lopped  off  a  portion.  Tlie- 
seus  served  him  as  he  had  served  others. 

Having  overcome  all  the  perils  of  the  road,  Theseus  at  length 
reached  Athens,  where  new  dangers  awaited  him.  Medea,  the 
sorceress,  who  had  fled  from  Corinth  after  her  separation  from 
Jason,  had  become  the  wife  of  JEgeus,  the  father  of  Theseus. 


186  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Knowing  by  her  arts  who  he  was,  and  fearing  the  loss  of  her 
influence  with  her  husband,  if  Theseus  should  be  acknowledged 
as  his  son,  she  filled  the  mind  of  ^geus  with  suspicions  of  the 
young  stranger,  and  induced  him  to  present  him  a  cup  of 
poison ;  but  at  the  moment  when  Theseus  stepped  forward  to 
take  it,  the  sight  of  the  sword  Avhich  he  wore  discovered  to  his 
father  who  he  was,  and  prevented  the  fatal  draught.  Medea, 
detected  in  her  arts,  fled  once  more  from  deserved  punisliment, 
and  arrived  in  Asia,  where  the  country  afterwards  called  Media 
received  its  name  from  her.  Theseus  was  acknowledged  by 
his  father,  and  declared  his  successoi*. 

The  Athenians  were  at  that  time  in  deep  affliction,  on  ac- 
count of  the  tribute  which  they  were  forced  to  pay  to  Minos, 
king  of  Crete.  This  tribute  consisted  of  seven  youths  and 
seven  maidens,  who  were  sent  every  year  to  be  devoured  by 
the  Minotaur,  a  monster  wdth  a  bulFs  body  and  a  human  head. 
It  w^as  exceedingly  strong  and  fierce,  and  was  ke])t  in  a  laby- 
rinth constructed  by  Daidalus,  so  artfully  contrived  that  who- 
ever was  enclosed  in  it  could  by  no  means  find  his  way  out 
unassisted.  Here  the  Minotaur  roamed,  and  Avas  fed  Avith 
human  victims. 

Theseus  resolved  to  deliver  his  countrymen  from  this  calam- 
ity, or  to  die  in  the  attempt.  Accordingly,  Avhen  the  time  of 
sending  off  the  tribute  came,  and  the  youths  and  maidens  Avere, 
according  to  custom,  draAvn  by  lot  to  be  sent,  he  offered  him- 
self as  one  of  the  victims,  in  spite  of  the  entreaties  of  his  father. 
The  ship  departed  under  black  sails,  as  usual,  Avhich  Theseus 
promised  his  father  to  change  for  Avhite,  in  case  of  his  return- 
ing victorious.  When  they  arrived  in  Crete,  the  youths  and 
maidens  Avere  exhibited  before  Minos ;  and  Ariadne,  the  daugh- 
ter of  the  king,  being  present,  became  deeply  enamored  of 
Theseus,  by  Avhom  her  love  was  readily  returned.  She  fur- 
nished him  Avith  a  SAVord,  Avith  Avliich  to  encounter  the  Mino- 
taur, and  Avith  a  cleAV  of  thread  by  Avhich  he  might  find  his  Avay 
out  of  the  labyrinth.  He  Avas  successful,  sIcav  the  Minotaur, 
escaped  from  the  labyrinth,  and  taking  Ariadne  as  the  com- 
])anion  of  his  Avay,  Avith  his  rescued  companions  sailed  for 
Athens.     On  their  way  they  stopped  at  the  island  of  Naxos, 


THESEUS.  187 

wliere  Theseus  abandoned  Ariadne,  leaving  her  asleep.^  For 
Minerva  had  aj^peared  to  Theseus  in  a  dream,  and  warned  him 
tliat  Ariadne  Avas  destined  to  be  the  wife  of  Bacchus,  the  wine- 
god. 

On  approaching  the  coast  of  Attica,  Theseus,  intent  on 
Ariadne,  forgot  the  signal  appointed  by  his  father,  and  neg- 
lected to  raise  the  white  sails,  and  the  old  king,  thinking  his 
son  had  perished,  put  an  end  to  his  own  life.  Theseus  thus 
became  king  of  Athens. 

One  of  the  most  celebrated  of  the  adventures  of  Theseus  is 
his  expedition  against  the  Amazons.  He  assailed  them  before 
they  had  recovered  from  the  attack  of  Hercules,  and  carried 
off  their  queen,  Antiope.  The  Amazons  in  their  turn  invaded 
the  country  of  Athens  and  penetrated  into  the  city  itself ;  and 
the  final  battle  in  which  Theseus  overcame  them  was  fought 
in  the  very  midst  of  the  city.  This  battle  was  one  of  the  favo- 
rite subjects  of  the  ancient  sculptors,  and  is  commemorated  in 
several  works  of  art  that  are  still  extant. 

The  friendship  between  Theseus  and  Pirithoiis  was  of  a 
most  intimate  nature,  yet  it  originated  in  the  midst  of  arms. 
Pirithoiis  had  made  an  irruption  into  the  plain  of  Marathon, 
and  carried  off  the  herds  of  the  king  of  Athens.  Theseus  went 
to  repel  the  j^lunderers.  The  moment  Pirithoiis  beheld  him, 
he  was  seized  with  admiration ;  he  stretched  out  his  hand  as 
a  token  of  peace,  and  cried,  "Be  judge  thyself,  —  what  satis- 
faction dost  thou  require?"  "Thy  friendship,"  replied  the 
Athenian,  and  they  swore  inviolable  fidelity.  Their  deeds' 
corresponded  to  their  pi'ofessions,  and  they  ever  continued 
true  brothers  in  arms.  Each  of  them  aspired  to  espouse  a 
daughter  of  Jupiter.  Theseus  fixed  his  choice  on  Helen,  then 
but  a  child,  afterwards  so  celebrated  as  the  cause  of  the  Trojan 
Avar,  and  Avith  the  aid  of  his  friend  he  carried  her  off.  Piri- 
thoiis aspired  to  the  Avife  of  the  monarch  of  Erebus ;  and  The- 
seus, though  aAvare  of  the  danger,  accompanied  the  ambitious 
lover  in  his  descent  to  the  undei'-Avorld.     But  Pluto  seized  and 

1  One  of  the  finest  pieces  of  sculpture  in  Italy,  tlie  recumbent  Ariadne  of  the 
Vatican,  represents  this  incident.  A  copy  is  in  the  Athenaeum  gallery,  Boston. 
The  celebrated  statue  of  Ariadne,  b}'  Danneker,  represents  her  as  riding  on  the 
tiger  of  Bacchus,  at  a  somewhat  later  period  of  her  story. 


188  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

set  them  on  an  enclianted  rock  at  his  palace  gate,  where  they 
remained  till  Hercules  arrived  and  liberated  Theseus,  leaving 
Pirithoiis  to  his  fate. 

After  the  death  of  Antiope,  Theseus  married  Phaedra,  daugh- 
ter of  Minos,  king  of  Crete.  Phaedra  saw  in  Hippolytus,  the 
son  of  Theseus,  a  youth  endowed  with  all  the  graces  and  vir- 
tues of  his  father,  and  of  an  age  corresponding  to  her  own. 
She  loved  him,  but  he  repulsed  her  advances,  and  her  love  was 
changed  to  hate.  She  used  her  influence  over  her  infatuated 
husband  to  cause  him  to  be  jealous  of  his  son,  and  he  impre- 
cated the  vengeance  of  Neptune  upon  him.  As  Hippolytus 
was  one  day  driving  his  chariot  along  the  shore,  a  sea-monster 
raised  himself  above  the  waters,  and  frightened  the  horses  so 
that  they  ran  away  and  dashed  the  chariot  to  pieces.  Hippoly- 
tus Avas  killed,  but  by  Diana's  assistance  ^sculapius  restored 
him  to  life.  Diana  removed  Hippolytus  from  the  power  of  his 
deluded  father  and  false  step-mother,  and  placed  him  in  Italy 
under  the  protection  of  the  nymph  Egeria. 

Theseus  at  length  lost  the  favor  of  his  people,  and  retired  to 
the  court  of  Lycomedes,  king  of  Scyros,  who  at  first  received 
him  kindly,  but  afterwards  treacherously  slew  him.  In  a  later 
age  the  Athenian  general  Cimon  discovered  the  place  Avhere 
his  remains  were  laid,  and  caused  them  to  be  removed  to 
Athens,  where  they  were  deposited  in  a  temple  called  the  The- 
seum,  erected  in  honor  of  the  hero. 

The  queen  of  the  Amazons  whom  Theseus  espoused  is  by 
some  called  Ilippolyta.  That  is  the  name  she  bears  in  Shake- 
speare's Midsummer  Night's  Dream,  —  the  subject  of  which  is 
the  festivities  attending  the  nuptials  of  Theseus  and  Hippolyta. 

Mrs.  Hemans  has  a  poem  on  the  ancient  Greek  tradition  that 
the  "  Shade  of  Theseus  "  appeared  strengthening  his  coiui try- 
men  at  the  battle  of  Marathon. 

Mr.  Lewis  Morris  has  a  beautiful  poem  on  Helen,  in  the 
Epic  of  Hades.  In  these  lines  Helen  describes  how  she  was 
seized  by  Thesus  and  his  friend:  — 

"  There  came  a  nirrht 

When  I  lay  longin<j  for  my  love,  and  knew 
Sudden  the  clang  of  hoofs,  the  broken  dooi-s. 


OLYMPIC  AND  OTHER  GAMES.  189 

The  clash  of  swords,  the  shouts,  the  yroans,  the  stain 
Of  red  upon  the  marble,  tlie  fixed  gaze 
Of  dead  and  dying  eyes,  —  that  was  the  time 
When  first  I  looked  on  death,  —  and  when  I  woke 
From  my  deep  swoon,  I  felt  the  night  air  cool 
Upon  my  brow,  and  the  cold  stai-s  look  down. 
As  swift  we  galloped  o'er  the  darkling  plain 
And  saw  the  chill  sea-glimpses  slowly  wake. 
With  arms  unknown  around  me.     When  the  dawn 
Broke  swift,  we  panted  on  the  pathless  steeps, 
And  so  by  plain  and  mountain  till  we  came 
To  Athens, ." 

Theseus  is  a  semi-historical  personage.  It  is  recorded  of 
him  that  he  united  the  several  tribes  by  Avhom  the  territory  of 
Attica  was  then  possessed  into  one  state,  of  wliich  Athens  was 
the  ca])ital.  In  commemoration  of  this  important  event,  ho 
instituted  the  festival  of  Panathenoea,  in  honor  of  Minerva,  the 
patron  deity  of  Athens.  This  festival  differed  from  the  other 
Grecian  games  chiefly  in  two  particulars.  It  was  peculiar  to 
the  Athenians,  and  its  chief  feature  Avas  a  solemn  procession  in 
which  the  Peplus  or  sacred  robe  of  Minerva  was  carried  to  the 
Parthenon,  and  suspended  before  the  statue  of  the  goddess. 
The  Peplus  Avas  covered  with  embroidery,  worked  by  select 
virgins  of  the  noblest  families  in  Athens.  The  procession 
consisted  of  persons  of  all  ages  and  both  sexes.  The  old  men 
carried  olive-branches  in  their  hands,  and  the  young  men  bore 
arms.  The  young  women  carried  baskets  on  their  heads,  con- 
taining the  sacred  utensils,  cakes,  and  all  things  necessary  for 
the  sacrifices.  The  procession  formed  the  subject  of  the  bas- 
reliefs  by  Phidias  which  embellished  the  outside  of  the  temple 
of  the  Parthenon.  A  considerable  portion  of  these  sculptures 
is  now  in  the  British  Museum  among  those  known  as  the 
"  Elgin  marbles." 

Olympic  and  other  Games. 

We  may  mention  here  the  other  celebrated  national  games 
of  the  Greeks.  The  first  and  most  distinguished  Avere  the 
Olympic,  founded,  it  was  said,  by  Jupiter  himself.  They  Avere 
celebrated  at  Olympia  in  Elis.     Vast  numbers  of  spectators 


190  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

flocked  to  them  from  every  part  of  Greece,  and  from  Asia, 
Africa,  and  Sicily.  Tliey  were  repeated  every  fifth  year  in 
midsummer,  and  continued  five  days.  They  gave  rise  to  the 
custom  of  reckoning  time  and  dating  events  hy  Olympiads. 
The  first  Olympiad  is  generally  considered  as  corres]>onding 
witli  the  year  776  B.  C.  The  Pythian  games  were  celebrated 
in  the  vicinity  of  Delphi,  the  Isthmian  on  the  Corinthian  istli- 
mus,  the  Nemean  at  Nemea,  a  city  of  Argolis. 

The  exercises  in  these  games  were  of  five  sorts :  running, 
leaping,  wrestling,  throwing  the  quoit,  and  hurling  the  javelin, 
or  boxing.  Besides  these  exercises  of  bodily  strength  and 
agility,  there  were  contests  in  music,  poetry,  and  eloquence. 
Thus  these  games  furnished  poets,  musicians,  and  authors  the 
best  opportunities  to  present  their  productions  to  the  public, 
and  the  fame  of  the  victors  was  diffused  far  and  wide. 

D^DALUS. 

The  labyrinth  from  which  Theseus  escaped  by  means  of  the 
clew  of  Ariadne,  was  built  by  Daedalus,  a  most  skilful  artificer. 
It  was  an  edifice  with  numberless  winding  passages  and  turnings 
opening  into  one  another,  and  seeming  to  have  neither  be- 
ginning nor  end,  like  the  river  Maeander,  Avhich  returns  on 
itself,  and  flows  now  onward,  now  backward,  in  its  course  to 
the  sea.  Daedalus  built  the  labyrinth  for  King  Minos,  but 
afterwards  lost  the  favor  of  the  king,  and  was  shut  up  in 
a  tower.  He  contrived  to  make  his  escape  from  his  prison,  but 
could  not  leave  the  island  by  sea,  as  the  king  kept  strict  watch 
on  all  the  vessels,  and  permitted  none  to  sail  without  being 
carefully  searched.  "  Minos  may  control  the  land  and  sea," 
said  Daedalus,  "but  not  the  regions  of  the  air.  I  will  try  that 
Avay."  So  he  set  to  work  to  fabricate  wings  for  himself  and 
his  young  son  Icarus.  He  wrought  feathers  together  beginning 
with  the  smallest  and  adding  larger,  so  as  to  form  an  increasing 
surface.  The  larger  ones  he  secured  with  thread  and  the 
smaller  with  wax,  and  gave  the  whole  a  gentle  curA^ature  like 
the  wings  of  a  bird.  Icarus,  the  boy,  stood  and  looked  on,  some- 
times running  to  gather  up  the  feathers  which  the  wind  had 


DJEDALUS.  191 

blown  away,  and  then  handling  the  wax  and  working  it  over 
with  his  fingers,  by  his  j^lay  impeding  his  father  in  his  labors. 
When  at  last  the  Avork  was  done,  the  artist,  waving  his  wings, 
found  himself  buoyed  upward  and  hung  suspended,  poising 
himself  on  the  beaten  air.  He  next  equipped  his  son  in  the 
same  manner,  and  tauglit  him  how  to  fly,  as  a  bird  tempts  lier 
young  ones  from  the  lofty  nest  into  the  air.  When  all  was 
prepared  for  flight,  he  said,  "  Icarus,  my  son,  I  charge  you  to 
keep  at  a  moderate  height,  for  if  you  fly  too  low  the  damp  will 
clog  your  wings,  and  if  too  high  the  heat  will  melt  them. 
Keep  near  me  and  you  will  be  safe."  While  he  gave  him 
these  instructions  and  fitted  the  wings  to  his  shoulders,  the 
face  of  the  father  was  wet  with  tears,  and  his  hands  trembled. 
He  kissed  the  boy,  not  knowing  that  it  Avas  for  the  last  time. 
Then  rising  on  his  wings  he  flew  off,  encouraging  him  to  fol- 
loAV,  and  looked  back  fi'om  his  OAvn  flight  to  see  how  his  son 
managed  his  Avings.  As  they  flcAv  the  ploughman  stopped  his 
Avork  to  gaze,  and  the  shepherd  leaned  on  his  staff  and  Avatched 
them,  astonished  at  the  sight,  and  thinking  they  Avere  gods  Avho 
could  thus  cleave  the  air. 

They  passed  Samos  and  Delos  on  the  left  and  Lebynthos  on 
the  right,  Avhen  the  boy,  exulting  in  his  career,  began  to  leave 
the  guidance  of  his  companion  and  soar  upAvard  as  if  to  reach 
heaven.  The  nearness  of  the  blazing  sun  softened  the  Avax 
which  held  the  feathers  together,  and  they  came  off.  He 
fluttered  Avith  his  arms,  but  no  feathers  remained  to  hold  the 
air.  While  his  mouth  iittei-ed  cries  to  his  father,  it  was  sub- 
merged in  the  blue  Avaters  of  the  sea,  Avhich  thenceforth  was 
called  by  his  name.  His  father  cried,  "  Icarus,  Icarus,  Avhere 
are  you  ?  "  At  last  he  saAV  the  feathers  floating  on  the  Avater, 
and  bitterly  lamenting  his  own  arts,  he  buried  the  body  and 
called  the  land  Icaria  in  memory  of  his  child.  Daedalus  arrived 
safe  in  Sicily,  Avhere  he  built  a  temple  to  Apollo,  and  hung  up 
his  Avings,  an  offering  to  the  god. 

Dfedalus  Avas  so  proud  of  his  achievements  that  he  could  not 
bear  the  idea  of  a  rival.  His  sister  had  placed  her  son  Perdix 
under  his  charge  to  be  taught  the  mechanical  arts.  He  Avas  an 
apt  scholar  and  gave  striking  evidences  of  ingenuity.    Walking 


192  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

on  the  seashore  he  picked  up  the  spine  of  a  fish.  Imitating  it, 
he  took  a  piece  of  iron  and  notched  it  on  the  edge,  and  thus 
invented  the  sa?o.  He  put  two  pieces  of  iron  togetlier,  con- 
necting them  at  one  end  with  a  rivet,  and  sharpening  the  other 
ends,  and  made  a-j^air  of  conqmsses.  Doedahis  was  so  envious 
of  his  nephew's  performances  tliat  he  took  an  opportunity, 
when  they  were  togetlier  one  day  on  the  top  of  a  higli  tower, 
to  push  him  off.  But  Minerva,  who  favors  ingenuity,  saw  him 
falling,  and  arrested  his  fate  by  changing  him  into  a  bird  called 
after  his  name,  the  Partridge.  This  bird  docs  not  build  his 
nest  in  the  trees,  nor  take  lofty  flights,  but  nestles  in  the 
hedges,  and  mindful  of  his  fall,  avoids  high  places. 

The    death   of   Icarus    is    told    in    the    following   lines    by 
Darwin :  — 

" with  meltinfT  wax  and  loosened  strings 

Sunk  hapless  Icarus  on  unfaithful  wings  ; 
Headlong  he  rushed  through  the  affrighted  air, 
With  limhs  distorted  and  dishevelled  hair ; 
His  scattered  plumage  danced  upon  the  wave, 
And  sorrowing  Nereids  docked  his  watery  grave; 
O'er  his  pale  corse  their  pearly  sea-flowers  shed. 
And  strewed  with  crimson  moss  his  marhle  bed ; 
Struck  in  their  coral  towers  the  passing  bell, 
And  wide  in  ocean  tolled  his  echoing  knell." 


Castor  and  Pollux. 

Castor  and  Pollux  were  the  offspring  of  Leda  and  the  Swan, 
under  which  disguise  Jupiter  had  concealed  himself.  Leda 
gave  birth  to  an  egg^  from  which  sprang  the  twins.  Helen,  so 
famous  afterwards  as  the  cause  of  the  Trojan  war,  was  their 
sister. 

When  Theseus  and  his  friend  Pirithous  had  carried  off 
Helen  from  Sparta,  the  youthful  heroes  Castor  and  Pollux, 
with  their  followers,  hasted  to  her  rescue.  Theseus  was  absent 
from  Attica,  and  the  brothers  were  successful  in  recovering 
their  sister. 

Castor  was  famous  for  taming  and  managing  horses,  and 
Pollux  for  skill  in  boxing.     They  were  united  by  the  warmest 


CASTOR    AND    POLLUX.  193 

affection,  and  inseparable  in  all  their  enterprises.  They  acconi- 
I^anied  the  Argonautic  ex2:)edition.  During  the  voyage  a  storm 
arose,  and  Orpheus  prayed  to  the  Saniothracian  gods,  and 
played  on  his  harp,  whereupon  the  storm  ceased  and  stars 
appeared  on  the  heads  of  the  brothers.  From  this  incident, 
Castor  and  Pollux  came  afterwards  to  be  considered  the  patron 
deities  of  seamen  and  voyagers,^  and  the  lambent  flames,  Avhich 
in  certain  states  of  the  atmosphere  play  round  the  sails  and 
masts  of  vessels,  were  called  by  their  names. 

After  the  Argonautic  expedition,  we  find  Castor  and  Pollux 
engaged  in  a  war  with  Idas  and  Lynceus.  Castor  was  slain, 
and  Pollux,  inconsolable  for  the  loss  of  his  brother,  besought 
Jupiter  to  be  permitted  to  give  his  own  life  as  a  ransom  for 
him.  Jupiter  so  far  consented  as  to  allow  the  two  brothers  to 
enjoy  the  boon  of  life  alternately,  passing  one  day  under  the 
earth  and  the  next  in  the  heavenly  abodes.  According  to 
another  form  of  the  story,  Jupiter  rewarded  the  attachment  of 
the  brothers  by  placing  them  among  the  stars  as  Gemini,  the 
Twins. 

They  received  divine  honors  under  the  name  of  Dioscuri 
(sons  of  Jove).  They  were  believed  to  have  appeared  occa- 
sionally in  later  times,  taking  part  with  one  side  or  the  other, 
in  hard-fought  fields,  and  Avere  said  on  such  occasions  to  be 
mounted  on  magnificent  white  steeds.  Thus,  in  the  early  his- 
tory of  Rome,  they  are  said  to  have  assisted  the  Romans  at 
the  battle  of  Lake  Regillus,  and  after  tlie  victory  a  temple  was 
erected- in  their  honor  on  the  spot  where  they  a])peared. 

Macaulay,  in  his  Lays  of  Ancient  Rome,  thus  alludes  to  the 
legend :  — 

"  So  like  tbcy  were,  no  mortal 

Miji:ht  one  from  other  know; 
White  as  snow  their  armor  was, 

Their  steeds  were  white  as  snow. 
Never  on  earthly  anvil 

Did  such  rare  armor  ji-Ieam, 
And  never  did  such  gallant  steeds 

Drink  of  an  earthly  stream. 


1  One  of  the  ships  in  which  St.  Paul  sailed  was  named  the  Castor  and  Pollux. 
See  Acts  xxviii.  11. 


194  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

"  Back  comes  the  cliiet"  in  triumpli 

Who  in  the  hour  of  fiirht 
Hath  seen  the  jrrcat  Twin  Brethren 

In  harness  on  his  rijj:ht. 
Safe  comes  the  ship  to  haven 

Through  billows  and  through  gale«, 
If  once  the  great  Twin  Brethren 

Sit  shining  on  the  sails." 

In  tlie  poem  of  Atnlanta  in  Calydon  Mr.  Swinbiirno  thus 
describes  the  little  Helen  and  Clytemnestra,  the  sisters  of 
Castor  ai,id  Pollux  :  — 

Meleager. 

"  Even  such  I  saw  their  sisters  ;  one  swan  white, 
The  little  Helen,  and  less  fair  than  she, 
Fair  Clytemnestra,  grave  as  pasturing  fawns, 
Who  feed  and  fear  the  arrow ;  but  at  whiles. 
As  one  smitten  with  love  or  wrung  with  joj',« 
She  laughs  and  lightens  with  her  eyes,  and  then 
Weeps;  whereat  Helen,  having  laughed,  weeps  too, 
And  the  other  chides  her,  and  she  being  chid  speaks  naught, 
But  cheeks  and  lips  and  eyelids  kisses  her. 
Laughing;  so  fare  they,  as  in  their  blameless  bud. 
And  fall  of  unblown  life,  the  blood  of  gods." 

Altiiea. 

"Sweet  days  before  them,  and  good  loves  and  lords, 
And  tender  and  temperate  honors  of  the  hearth  ; 
Peace,  and  a  perfect  life  and  blameless  bed." 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


BACCHUS.  —ARIADNE. 


BACCHUS  was  tlie  son  of  Jupiter  and  Semelc.  Juno,  to 
gratify  her  resentment  against  Semele,  contrived  a  plan 
for  her  destruction.  Assuming  the  form  of  Beroe,  her  aged 
nurse,  she  insinuated  doubts  -vvhetlier  it  was  indeed  Jove  him- 
self who  camg  as  a  lover.  Heaving  a  sigh,  she  said,  "  I  hope  it 
will  turn  out  so,  but  I  can't  help  being  afraid.  People  are  not 
always  Avhat  they  pretend  to  be.  If  he  is  indeed  Jove,  make 
him  give  some  proof  of  it.  Ask  him  to  come  arrayed  in  all  his 
splendors,  such  as  he  wears  in  heaven.  That  will  put  the  mat- 
ter beyond  a  doubt."  Semele  was  persuaded  to  try  the  experi- 
ment. She  asks  a  favor,  without  naming  what  it  is.  Jove 
gives  his  promise  and  confirms  it  with  the  irrevocable  oath, 
attesting  the  river  Styx,  terrible  to  the  gods  themselves.  Then 
she  made  known  her  request.  The  god  would  have  stopped 
her  as  she  spake,  but  she  was  too  quick  for  him.  The  words 
escaped,  and  he  could  ncitlier  unsay  his  promise  nor  her 
request.  In  deep  distress  he  left  her  and  returned  to  the 
upper  regions.  There  he  clothed  himself  in  his  splendors,  not 
putting  on  all  his  terrors,  as  when  he  overthrew  the  giants, 
but  what  is  known  among  the  gods  as  his  lesser  panoply. 
Arrayed   in  this  he   entered   the    chamber   of   Semele.      Her 

(195) 


196  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

mortal  i  fame  could  not  endure  the  splendors  of  the  immortal 
radiance.     She  was  consumed  to  ashes. 

Jove  took  the  infant  Bacchus  and  gave  him  in  charge  to  the 
Nysaean  nymphs,  who  nourished  his  infancy  and  childhood,  and 
for  their  care  Avere  rewarded  by  Jupiter  by  being  placed,  as  the 
Hyades,  among  the  stars.  When  Bacchus  grew  up  he  discov- 
ered the  culture  of  the  vine  and  the  mode  of  extracting  its 
precious  juice;  but  Juno  struck  him  with  madness,  and  drove 
him  forth  a  wanderer  tlirough  various  parts  of  the  earth.  In 
Phrygia  the  goddess  Rhea  cured  him  and  taught  him  her 
religious  rites,  and  he  set  out  on  a  progress  through  Asia 
teaching  tlie  people  the  cultivation  of  the  vine.  The  most 
famous  part  of  his  wanderings  is  lus  expedition  to  India, 
which  is  said  to  have  lasted  several  years.  Returning  in 
triumph  he  nndertook  to  introduce  his  worship  into  Greece, 
but  was  opposed  by  some  princes  who  dreaded  its  introduction 
on  account  of  the  disorders  and  madness  it  brought  with  it. 

As  he  approached  his  native  city  Thebes,  Pentheus  the  king, 
who  had  no  resj^ect  for  the  new  worship),  forbade  its  rites  to  be 
performed.  But  when  it  was  known  that  Bacchus  was  ad- 
vancing, men  and  women,  but  chiefly  the  latter,  young  and  old 
poured  forth  to  meet  him  and  to  join  his  triumphal  march. 

Mr.  Longfellow  in  liis  Drinking  Song  thus  describes  the 
march  of  Bacchus  :  — 

"  Fauns  with  youthful  Bacchus  follow ; 
Ivy  crowns  that  brow,  supernal 
As  the  forehead  of  Apollo, 
And  possessing  youth  eternal. 

"  Round  about  him  fair  Bacchantes, 
Bearing  cymbals,  tlutes  and  thyrses, 
Wild  from  Xaxian  groves  or  Zante's 
Vincyai'ds,  sing  delirious  verses." 

It  was  in  vain  Pentheus  remonstrated,  commanded,  and 
threatened.  "Go,"  said  he  to  his  attendants,  "seize  this  A-aga- 
bond  leader  of  tlie  rout  and  bring  him  to  me.  I  will  soon  make 
him  confess  his  false  claim  of  heavenly  parentage  and  renounce 
his   counterfeit  worship."     It  was   in  vain  his  nearest  friends 


BACCHUS. 


197 


and  wisest  counsellors  remonstrated  and  begged  him  not  to 
oppose  the  god.  Their  remonstrances  only  made  him  more 
violent. 


But  now  the  attendants  returned  whom  he  had  despatched 
to  seize  Bacchus,  They  had  been  driven  away  by  the  Bac- 
chanals, but  had  succeeded  in  taking  one  of  them  prisoner, 
whom,  with  his  hands  tied  behind  him,  they  brouglit  before 
the  king.    Pentheus  beholding  him,  with  Avrathful  countenance 


198  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

saiil,  "Fellow  !  you  shall  speedily  be  put  to  death,  that  your 
fate  may  be  a  warning  to  others ;  but  though  I  grudge  the 
delay  of  youi-  punishineut,  speak,  tell  us  who  you  are,  and  what 
are  these  new  rites  you  presume  to  celebrate." 

The  prisoner  unterrified  responded,  "  My  name  is  Acetes ; 
my  country  is  Maeonia;  my  parents  were  poor  people,  who  had 
no  fields  or  flocks  to  leave  me,  but  they  left  me  their  fishing- 
rods  and  nets  and  their  fisherman's  trade.  This  I  followed  for 
some  time,  till  growing  weary  of  remaining  in  one  place, 
I  learned  the  })ilot's  art  and  how  to  guide  my  course  by  the 
stars.  It  happened  as  I  was  sailing  for  Delos,  we  touched  at 
the  islaiftl  of  Dia  and  went  ashore.  Next  morning  I  sent  the 
men  for  fresh  water  and  myself  uiounted  the  hill  to  observe 
the  wind  ;  when  my  men  returned  bringing  with  them  a  prize, 
as  they  thought,  a  boy  of  delicate  appearance,  whom  they  had 
found  asleep.  They  judged  he  was  a  noble  youth,  perhajjs  a 
king's  son,  and  they  might  get  a  liberal  ransom  for  him.  I 
observed  his  dress,  his  walk,  his  face.  Tliere  was  something 
in  them  which  I  felt  sure  was  more  than  mortal.  I  said  to  my 
men,  'What  god  there  is  concealed  in  that  form  I  know  not, 
but  some  one  there  certainly  is.  Pardon  us,  gentle  deity,  for 
the  violence  we  have  done  you,  and  give  success  to  our  under- 
takings.' Dictys,  one  of  my  best  hands  for  climbing  the  mast 
and  coming  down  by  the  ropes,  and  Melanthus,  my  steersman, 
and  Epopeus  the  leader  of  the  sailors'  cry,  one  and  all  ex- 
claimed, '  Spare  your  prayers  for  us.'  So  blind  is  the  lust  of 
gain !  When  they  proceeded  to  put  him  on  board  I  resisted 
them.  '  This  ship  shall  not  be  ])rofaned  by  such  imj^iety,'  said 
I.  'I  have  a  greater  share  in  her  than  any  of  you.'  But 
Lycabas,  a  turbulent  fellow,  seized  me  by  the  throat  and  at- 
tem])ted  to  throw  me  overboard,  and  I  scarcely  saved  myself 
by  clinging  to  the  ropes.     The  rest  approved  the  deed. 

"Then  Bacchus,  for  it  was  indeed  he,  as  if  shaking  off  his 
drowsiness,  exclaimed,  '  Wliat  are  you  doing  with  me  ?  What 
is  this  fighting  about?  Who  brought  me  here  ?  Where  are  you 
going  to  carry  me  ? '  One  of  them  replied,  '  Fear  nothing  ;  tell 
ns  where  you  Avish  to  go  and  we  Avill  take  you  there.'  '  Xaxos 
is  my  home,'  said  Bacchus ;  '  take  me  there  and  you  shall  be 


BACCHUS.  199 

well  rewarded.'  They  promised  so  to  do,  and  told  me  to  jiilot 
the  shij^  to  Naxos.  Naxos  lay  to  the  right,  and  I  was  trimming 
the  sails  to  carry  us  there,  when  some  by  signs  and  others  by 
Avhispers  signified  to  me  their  will  that  I  should  sail  in  the 
opposite  direction,  and  take  the  boy  to  Egypt  to  sell  him  for  a 
slave.  I  was  confounded  and  said,  '  Let  some  one  else  pilot 
the  ship;'  withdrawing  myself  from  any  further  agency  in  their 
wickedness.  They  cursed  me,  and  one  of  them  exclaiming, 
'  Don't  flatter  yourself  that  we  depend  on  you  for  our  safety,' 
took  my  place  as  pilot,  and  bore  away  from  Naxos. 

"Then  the  god,  pretending  that  he  had  just  become  aware 
of  their  treachery,  looked  out  over  the  sea  and  said  in  a 
voice  of  weeping,  '  Sailors^  these  are  not  the  shores  you 
promised  to  take  me  to  ;  yonder  island  is  not  my  home.  What 
have  I  done  that  you 'should  treat  me  so?  It  is  small  glory 
you  will  gain  by  cheating  a  poor  boy.'  I  wept  to  hear  him, 
but  the  crew  laughed  at  both  of  us,  and  sped  the  vessel  fast 
over  the  sea.  All  at  once  —  strange  as  it  may  seem,  it  is 
true  —  the  vessel  stopped,  in  the  mid  sea,  as  fast  as  if  it  was 
fixed  on  the  ground.  The  men,  astonished,  pulled  at  their 
oars,  and  spread  more  sail,  trying  to  make  progress  by  the  aid 
of  l)oth,  but  all  in  vain.  Ivy  twined  round  the  oars  and 
hindered  their  motion,  and  clung  with  its  heavy  clusters  of 
berries  to  the  sails.  A  vine,  laden  with  grapes,  ran  up  the 
mast,  and  along  the  sides  of  the  vessel.  The  sound  of  flutes 
was  heard  and  the  odor  of  fragrant  wine  spread  all  around. 
The  god  himself  had  a  chaplet  of  vine-leaves,  and  bore  in  his 
hand  a  spear  wreathed  with  ivy.  Tigers  crouched  at  his  feet, 
and  lynxes  and  spotted  panthers  played  around  him.  The 
sailors  Avere  seized  with  terror  or  madness  ;  some  leaped  over- 
board ;  others,  preparing  to  do  the  same,  beheld  their  com- 
panions in  the  water  undergoing  a  change,  their  bodies  be- 
coming flattened  and  ending  in  a  crooked  tail.  One  exclaimed, 
'  What  miracle  is  this  ! '  and  as  he  spoke  his  mouth  widened, 
his  nostrils  expanded,  and  scales  covered  all  his  body.  Another 
endeavoring  to  pull  the  oar  felt  his  hands  shrink  up,  and  pres- 
ently to  be  no  longer  hands  but  fins ;  another  trying  to  raise 
liis  arms  to  a  rope  found  he  had  no  arms,  and   curving  his 


200  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

mutilated  body,  jumped  into  the  sea.  Wliat  had  been  his  legs 
became  the  two  ends  of  a  crescent-shaped  tail.  TJie  whole 
cre\y  became  dolphins  and  swam  about  the  ship,  now  upon  the 
surface,  now  under  it,  scattering  the  spr.ay,  and  spouting  the 
Avater  from  their  broad  nostrils.  Of  twenty  men  I  alone  was 
left.  The  god  cheered  me,  as  I  trembled  with  fear.  '  Fear 
not,'  said  he ;  '  steer  toward  Naxos.'  I  obeyed,  and  Avhen  we 
arrived  there,  I  kindled  the  altars  and  celebrated  the  sacred 
rites  of  Bacchus." 

Pentheus  here  exclaimed,  "We  have  wasted  time  enough 
on  this  silly  story.  Take  him  away  and  have  him  executed 
without  delay."  Acetes  was  led  away  by  the  attendants  and 
shut  u])  fast  in  prison ;  but  while  they  were  getting  ready  the 
instruments  of  execution,  the  prison  doors  opened  of  their  own 
accord  and  the  chains  fell  from  his  limbs,  and  wheu  the  guards 
looked  for  him  he  was  no  where  to  be  found. 

Pentheus  would  take  no  Avarning,  but  instead  of  sending 
others,  determined  to  go  himself  to  the  scene  of  the  solemni- 
ties. The  mountain  Cithasron  was  all  alive  with  worshippers, 
and  the  cries  of  the  Bacchanals  resounded  on  every  side.  The 
noise  roused  the  anger  of  Pentheus  as  the  sound  of  a  trumpet 
does  the  fire  of  a  war-horse.  He  i)enetrated  the  wood  and 
reached  an  open  space  where  the  wildest  scene  of  the  orgies 
met  his  eyes.  At  the  same  moment  the  women  saw  him ;  and 
first  among  them  his  own  mother.  Agave,  blinded  by  the  god, 
cried  out,  "  See  there  the  wild  boar,  the  hugest  monster  that 
prowls  in  these  Avoods  !  Come  on,  sisters !  I  will  be  the  first 
to  strike  the  wild  boar."  The  whole  band  rushed  upon  him, 
and  while  he  now  talks  less  arrogantly,  now  excuses  himself, 
and  now  confesses  his  crime  and  implores  pardon,  they  press 
upon  and  wound  him.  In  vain  he  cries  to  his  aunts  to  protect 
him  from  his  mother.  Autonoe  seized  one  arm,  Ino  the  othei-, 
and  between  them  he  was  torn  to  pieces,  while  his  mother 
shouted,  "  Victory  !  Victory  !  we  have  done  it ;  the  glorv  is 
ours ! " 

So  the  worship  of  Bacchus  was  established  in  Greece. 


ARIADNE.  201 

There  is  an  allusion  to  the  stoiy  of  Bacchus  and  the  mari- 
ners in  Milton's  Comus,  at  line  46.  The  story  of  Circe  will  be 
found  in  Chapter  XXII. 

"  Bacchus  that  first  from  out  the  purple  grape 
Crushed  the  sweet  poison  of  misused  wine, 
After  the  Tuscan  mariners  transformed, 
Coastinj^  the  Tyrrhene  shore  as  the  winds  listed 
On  Circe's  island  fell ;  (who  knows  not  Circe, 
The  daughter  of  the  Sun  ?  whose  charmed  cup 
Whoever  tasted  lost  his  upright  shape, 
And  downward  fell  into  a  grovelling  swine.)" 


Ariauxe. 

We  have  seen  in  the  story  of  Theseus  how  Ariadne,  the 
daughter  of  King  Minos,  after  helping  Theseus  to  escape 
fi-oni  the  labyrinth,  was  carried  by  him  to  the  island  of 
Xaxos  and  was  left  there  asleep,  while  Theseus  pursued  his 
Avay  home  without  her.  Ariadne,  on  waking  and  finding  her- 
self desei-ted,  abandoned  herself  to  grief.  But  Venus  took 
pity  on  her,  and  consoled  her  with  the  promise  that  she 
should  have  an  immortal  lover,  instead  of  the  mortal  one 
she  had  lost. 

The  island  where  Ariadne  was  left  Avas  the  favorite  island 
of  Bacchus,  the  same  that  he  wished  the  Tyrrlienian  mariners 
to  carry  him  to,  Avdien  they  so  treacherously  attempted  to 
make  prize  of  him.  As  Ariadne  sat  lamenting  her  fate,  Bac- 
chus found  her,  consoled  her  and  made  her  his  wife  as 
Minerva  had  prophesied  to  Theseus.  As  a  marriage  present 
he  gave  her  a  golden  crown,  enriched  with  gems,  and  when 
she  died,  he  took  her  crown  and  threw  it  up  into  the  sky. 
As  it  mounted  the  gems  grew  brighter  and  were  turned  into 
stars,  and  preserving  its  foi-m  Ariadne's  crown  remains  fixed 
in  the  heavens  as  a  constellation,  between  the  kneeling 
Hercules  and  the  man  who  holds  the  serpent. 

Spenser  alludes  to  Ariadne's  crown,  though  he  has  made 
some  mistakes  in   his  mythology.     It  was  at  the  wedding  of 


202 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


Pirithotls,  and  not  Theseus,  that  the  Centaurs  and  Lapithoe 
quarrelled. 

"  Look  how  the  crown  which  Ariadue  wore 
Upon  her  ivory  forehead  that  same  day 
That  Theseus  her  unto  his  hridal  bore, 
When  the  l)ohl  Centaurs  made  that  bloody  fray 
With  the  fierce  Lapiths  which  did  them  dismay ; 
Being  now  placed  in  the  firmament, 
Through  the  bright  heaven  doth  her  beams  display. 
And  is  unto  the  stars  an  ornament, 
Which  round  about  her  move  in  order  excellent." 


CHAPTER    XV. 

THE   RURAL  DEITIES.  —  ERISKTITHOX.  —  RHCECUS.  —  THE 
AVATER  DEITIES.  —  CAMEN^.  —  WINDS. 

PAN,  the  god  of  wdorls  and  fields,  of  flocks  and  she]iherds, 
dwelt  in  grottos,  wandered  on  the  mountains  and  in  valleys, 
and  amused  himself  with  the  chase  or  hi  leading  the  dances  of 
the  nj'mphs.  He  was  fond  of  music,  and,  as  we  have  seen,  the 
inventor  of  the  syrinx,^  or  shepherd's  pipe,  which  he  himself 
played  in  a  masterly  manner.  Pan,  like  other  gods  who  dwelt  in 
forests,  Avas  dreaded  by  those  Avhose  occupations  caused  them 
to  pass  through  the  woods  by  night,  for  the  gloom  and  loneli- 
ness of  such  scenes  dispose  the  mind  to  superstitious  fears. 
Hence  sudden  fright  without  any  visible  cause  was  ascribed  to 
Pan,  and  called  a  Panic  terror. 

As  the  name  of  the  god  signifies  in  Greek,  all^  Pan  came  to 
be  considered  a  symbol  of  the  universe  and  personification  of 
Nature ;  and  later  still  to  be  regarded  as  a  representative  of  all 
the  gods,  and  of  heathenism  itself. 

Sylvanus  and  Faunus  were  Latin  divinities,  whose  character- 
istics are  so  nearly  the  same  as  those  of  Pan  that  we  may 


^ee  the  story  of  Syrinx,  page  39. 


(203) 


204  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

safely  consider  them  as  the   same   personage  under  different 
names. 

The  wood-nymphs,  Pan's  partners  in  the  dance,  were  but 
one  of  several  classes  of  nymphs.  There  were  beside  them  the 
Naiads,  who  presided  over  brooks  and  fountains,  the  Oreads, 
nymphs  of  mountains  and  grottos,  and  the  Nereids,  sea-nymphs. 
The  three  last  named  were  immortal,  but  the  wood-nymphs, 
called  Dryads  or  Hamadryads,  were  believed  to  perish  with 
the  trees  which  had  been  their  abode,  and  with  which  they 
had  come  into  existence.  It  was  therefore  an  impious  act 
wantonly  to  destroy  a  tree,  and  in  some  aggravated  cases  was 
severely  punished,  as  in  the  instance  of  Erisichthon,  which  we 
shall  soon  record. 

Milton,  in  his  glowing  description  of  the  early  creation,  thus 
alludes  to  Pan  as  the  personitication  of  Nature :  — 

"  Universal  Pan, 
Knit  with  the  Graces  and  tlic  Hours  in  dance, 
Led  on  the  eternal  spring." 

And  describing  Eve's  abode :  — 

"  In  shadier  bower, 
More  sacred  or  sequestered,  though  but  feigned. 
Pan  or  Sylvanus  never  slept,  nor  nymph 
Nor  Faunus  haunted."  Paradise  Lost,  B.  IV. 

It  was  a  pleasing  trait  in  the  old  Paganism  that  it  loved  to 
trace  in  every  operation  of  nature  the  agency  of  deity.  The 
imagination  of  the  Greeks  peopled  all  the  regions  of  earth  and 
sea  with  divinities,  to  whose  agency  it  attributed  those  phe- 
nomena Avluch  our  philosophy  ascribes  to  the  operation  of  the 
laws  of  nature.  Sometimes  in  our  poetical  moods  we  feel  dis- 
posed to  regret  the  change,  and  to  think  that  the  heart  has  lost 
as  much  as  the  head  has  gained  by  the  substitution.  The  poet 
Wordsworth  thus  strongly  expresses  this  sentiment:  — 

"  Great  God,  I'd  rather  be 
A  Pagan,  suckled  in  a  creed  outworn. 
So  might  I,  standing  on  this  pleasant  lea. 
Have  glimpses  that  would  make  me  less  forlorn ; 
Have  sight  of  Proteus  rising  from  the  sea, 
And  hear  old  Triton  blow  his  wreathed  horn." 


THE    RURAL    DEITIES. 


205 


Schiller,  in  his  poem  The  Gods  of  Greece,  ex])resses  liis 
regret  for  the  overtlirow  of  the  beautiful  mythology  of  ancient 
times  iu  a  way  which  has  called  forth  an  answer  from  a  Chris- 


tian poetess,  Mrs.  Browning,  in  her  poem  called   The   Dead 
Pan.     The  two  following  verses  are  a  specimen  :  — 

"  By  your  beauty  wliich  confesses 
Some  chief  Beauty  conquering:  you, 
By  our  grand  heroic  guesses 
Through  your  falsehood  at  the  True, 
We  will  weep  not !  earth  shall  roll 
Heir  to  each  god's  aureole, 

And  Pan  is  dead. 


Earth  outgrows  the  mythic  fancies 
Sung  beside  her  in  her  youth  ; 
And  those  debonairc  romances 
Sound  but  dull  beside  the  truth. 
Phoebus'  chariot  course  is  run  ! 
Look  up  poets,  to  the  sun  I 

Pan,  Pan  is  dead." 


20G  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

These  lines  are  founded  on  an  early  Christian  tradition  that 
when  the  heavenly  host  told  the  shepherds  at  Bethlehem  of  the 
birth  of  Christ,  a  deep  groan,  heard  through  all  the  isles  of 
Greece,  told  that  the  great  Pan  Avas  dead,  and  that  all  the 
royalty  of  Olympus  was  dethroned,  and  the  several  deities 
Avere  sent  wandering  in  cold  and  darkness.  So  Milton,  in  his 
Hymn  to  the  Nativity  :  — 

"  The  lonely  mountains  o'er, 
And  tlie  resounding  shore, 

A  voice  of  weeping  heard  and  loud  lament ; 
From  haunted  sprihg  and  dale, 
Edged  with  poplar  pale, 

The  parting  genius  is  with  sighing  sent ; 
With  flower-enwoven  tresses  torn, 
The  nymphs  in  twilight  shade  of  tangled  thickets  mourn.' 


EnisiciiTiiox. 

-Erisichthon  was  a  profane  person  and  a  despiser  of  the  gods. 
On  one  occasion  he  presumed  to  violate  with  the  axe  a  grove 
sacred  to  Ceres.  There  stood  in  this  grove  a  venerable  oak, 
so  large  that  it  seemed  a  wood  in  itself,  its  ancient  trunk 
towering  aloft,  Avhereon  votive  garlands  were  often  hung  and 
inscriptions  carved  expressing  the  gratitude  of  suppliants  to 
the  riympl),of  the  tree.  Often  had  the  Dryads  danced  round  it 
hand  in  hand.  Its  trunk  measured  fifteen  cubits  round,  and  it 
overtopped  the  other  trees  as  they  overtopped  the  shrubbery. 
But  for  all  that,  Ei-isichthon  saw  no  reason  why  he  should 
spare  it,  and  he  ordered  his  servants  to  cut  it  down.  When  he 
saw  them  hesitate,  he  snatched  an  axe  from  one,  and  thus  im- 
piously exclaimed,  "  I  care  not  whether  it  be  a  tree  beloved  of 
the  goddess  or  not;  were  it  the  goddess  herself  it  should  come 
down,  if  it  stood  in  my  way."  So  saying,  he  lifted  the  axe, 
and  the  oak  seemed  to  shudder  and  utter  a  groan.  When  the 
first  blow  fell  upon  the  trunk,  blood  flowed  from  the  Avound. 
All  the  bystanders  were  horror-struck,  and  one  of  them  ven- 
tured to  remonstrate  and  hold  back  the  fatal  axe.  Erisichthon 
Avith  a  scornful  look,  said  to  him,  "Receive  the  rcAvard  of  your 
piety;"  and  turned  against  him  the  Aveapon  Avhieh  he  had  held 


ERISICHTHOX 


207 


aside  from  the  tree,  gashed  his  body  with  many  wounds,  and 
cut  off  his  head.  Tlien  from  tlie  midst  of  the  oak  came  a 
voice,  "  I  who  dwell  in  this  tree  am  a  nymph  beloved  of  Ceres, 
and  dying  by  your  hands,  forewarn  you  that  punishment  awaits 
you."     He  desisted  not  from  his  crime,  and  at  last  the  tree, 


sundered  by  repeated  blows  and  drawn  by  ropes,  fell  with  a 
crash,  and  prostrated  a  great  part  of  the  grove  in  its  fall. 

The  Dryads,  in  dismay  at  the  loss  of  their  companion,  and  at 
seeing  the  pride  of  the  forest  laid  low,  went  in  a  body  to  Ceres, 
all  clad  in  garments  of  mourning,  and  invoked  punishment 
upon  Erisichthon.  She  nodded  her  assent,  and  as  she  bowed 
her  head  the  grain  ripe  for  harvest  in  the  laden  fields  bowed 
also.  She  planned  a  punishment  so  dire  that  one  would  pity 
him,  if  such  a  culprit  as  he  could  be  pitied  —  to  deliver  him 


208  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

OA'er  to  Famine.  As  Ceres  herself  could  not  approach  Famine, 
for  the  Fates  have  ordained  that  these  two  goddesses  shall 
never  come  together,  she  called  an  Oread  from  her  mountain 
and  spoke  to  her  in  these  words:  "There  is  a  place  in  the 
farthest  part  of  ice-clad  Scythia,  a  sad  and  sterile  region  Avith- 
out  trees  and  without  crops.  Cold  dwells  there,  and  Fear,  and 
Shuddering,  and  Famine.  Go  to  Famine  and  tell  her  to  take 
possession  of  the  bowels  of  Erisichthon.  Let  not  abundance 
subdue  her,  nor  the  power  of  ray  gifts  drive  her  away.  Be 
not  alarmed  at  the  distance,"  (for  Famine  dwells  very  far 
from  Ceres,)  "but  take  my  chariot.  The  dragons  are  fleet 
and  obey  the  rein,  and  will  take  you  through  the  air  in  a  short 
time."  So  she  gave  her  the  reins,  and  she  drove  away  and 
soon  reached  Scythia.  On  arriving  at  Mount  Caucasus  she 
stopped  the  dragons  and  found  Famine  in  a  stony  field,  pulling 
up  with  teeth  and  claws  the  scanty  herbage.  Her  hair  was 
rough,  her  eyes  sunk,  her  face  pale,  her  lips  blanched,  her  jaws 
covered  with  dust,  and  her  skin  drawn  tight,  so  as  to  show  all 
her  bones.  As  the  Oread  saw  her  afar  off  (for  she  did  not 
dare  to  come  near)  she  delivered  the  commands  of  Ceres;  and 
though  she  stopped  as  short  a  time  as  possible,  and  kept  her 
distance  as  well  as  she  coidd,  yet  she  began  to  feel  hungry,  and 
turned  the  dragons'  heads  and  drove  back  to  Thessaly. 

In  obedience  to  the  commands  of  Ceres,  Famine  sped  through 
the  air  to  the  dwelling  of  Erisichthon,  entered  the  bed-chamber 
of  the  guilty  man,  and  found  him  asleep.  She  enfolded  him 
with  her  wings  and  breathed  herself  into  him,  infusing  I.li- 
poison  into  his  veins.  Having  discharged  her  task,  slie  h.^.s- 
tened  to  leave  the  land  of  j^lenty  and  returned  to  her  accus- 
tomed haunts.  Erisichthon  still  slept,  and  in  his  dreams 
craved  food,  and  moved  his  jaws  as  if  eating.  When  he  awoke 
his  hunger  Avas  raging.  Without  a  moment's  delay  he  would 
have  food  set  before  him,  of  whatever  kind  earth,  sea  or  air 
produces ;  and  complained  of  hunger  even  Avhile  he  ate.  What 
would  have  sufiiced  for  a  city  or  a  nation  was  not  enough  for 
him.  The  more  he  ate,  the  more  he  craved.  His  hunger  was 
like  the  sea,  Avhich  receives  all  the  rivers,  yet  is  never  filled ; 


ERISICHTHON.  209 

or  like  fire  that  burns  all  the  fuel  that  is  heaped  upon  it,  yet  is 
still  voracious  for  more. 

His  property  rapidly  diminished  under  the  unceasing  de- 
mands of  his  ap2>etite,  but  his  hunger  continued  unabated.  At 
length  he  had  spent  all,  and  had  only  his  daughter  left,  a 
daughter  worthy  of  a  better  parent.  Her  too  he  sold.  She 
scorned  to  be  the  slave  of  a  purchaser,  and  as  she  stood  by  the 
seaside,  raised  her  hand*  in  prayer  to  Xeptune.  He  heard 
her  prayer,  and,  though  her  new  master  was  not  far  off,  and 
had  liis  eye  upon  her  a  moment  before,  Neptune  changed  her 
form,  and  made  her  assume  that  of  a  fisherman  busy  at  his 
occupation.  Her  master,  looking  for  her  and  seeing  her  in  her 
altered  form,  addressed  her  and  said,  "  Good  fisherman,  whither 
went  the  maiden  whom  I  saw  just  now,  with  hair  dishevelled 
and  in  humble  garb,  standing  about  where  you  stand  ?  Tell 
me  truly ;  so  may  your  luck  be  good,  and  not  a  fish  nibble  at 
your  hook  and  get  away."  She  perceived  that  her  })rayer  was 
answered,  and  rejoiced  inwardly  at  hearing  the  question  asked 
her  of  herself.  She  replied,  "Pardon  me,  stranger,  but  I  have 
been  so  intent  upon  my  line,  that  I  have,  seen  nothing  else ; 
but  I  wish  I  may  never  catch  another  fish  if  I  believe  any 
woman  or  other  person  except  myself  to  have  been  hereabouts 
for  some  time."  He  was  deceived  and  went  his  way,  thinking 
his  slave  had  escaped.  Then  she  resumed  her  own  form.  Her 
father  was  well  pleased  to  find  her  still  Avith  him,  and  the 
money  too  that  he  got  by  tlie  sale  of  her;  so  he  sold  her  again. 
But  she  was  changed  by  the  favor  of  Xeptune  as  often  as 
she  was  sold,  now  into  a  horse,  now  a  bird,  now  an  ox,  and 
now,  a  stag,  —  got  away  from  her  pui'chasers  and  came  home. 
By  this  base  method  the  starving  father  procured  food ;  but 
not  enough  for  his  wants,  and  at  last  hunger  compelled  him  to 
devour  his  limbs,  and  he  strove  to  nourish  liis  body  by  eating 
his  body,  till  death  relieved  him  from  the  vengeance  of  Ceres. 

Rhcecus. 

The  Hamadryads  could  appreciate  services  as  well  as  punish 
injuries.     The   story  of   Rhcecus    proves    this.     Rluecus,  hap- 


210  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

pening  to  see  an  oak  just  ready  to  fall,  ordered  his  servants  to 
prop  it  up.  The  nymph,  who  had  been  on  the  point  of  perishing 
with  the  tree,  came  and  exj^ressed  her  gratitude  to  him  for 
having  saved  hei-  life,  and  bade  him  ask  wliat  reward  he  would 
liave  for  it.  Rhoecus  boldly  asked  her  love,  and  the  nymph 
yielded  to  his  desire.  She  at  the  same  time  charged  him  to  be 
constant,  and  told  him  that  a  bee  should  be  her  messenger,  and 
let  him  know  when  she  Avould  admit  his  society.  One  time  the 
bee  came  to  Rhoecus  A\hen  he  Avas  playing  at  draughts,  and  he 
carelessly  brushed  it  away.  This  so  incensed  the  nymph  that 
she  deprived  him  of  sight. 

Our  countryman,  James  Russell  Lowell,  has  taken  this  story 
for  the  subject  of  one  of  his  shorter  poems.  He  introduces  it 
thus: — 

"  Hear  now  this  fairy  legend  of  old  Greece, 
As  full  of  freedom,  youth  and  heaiity  still, 
As  the  immortal  freshness  of  that  gi'ace 
Carved  for  all  aoes  on  some  Attic  frieze." 


The  Water  Deities. 

Oceanus  and  Tethys  were  the  Titans  who  ruled  over  the  Sea. 
When  Jove  and  his  brothers  overthrew  the  Titans  and  assumed 
their  power,  Neptune  and  Amphitrite  succeeded  to  the  dominion 
of  the  waters  in  place  of  Oceanus  and  Tethys. 


Neptune.  • 

Neptune  was  the  chief  of  the  Avater  deities.  The  symbol 
of  his  poAver  Avas  the  trident,  or  spear  Avith  three  points,  Avith 
Avhich  he  used  to  shatter  rocks,  to  call  forth  or  subdue  storms, 
to  shake  the  shores,  and  the  like.  He  created  the  horse,  and 
Avas  the  patron  of  horse-races.  His  OAvn  horses  had  brazen 
hoofs  and  golden  manes.  They  drew  his  chariot  over  the  sea, 
Avhich  became  smooth  before  him,  while  the  monsters  of  the 
deep  gambolled  about  his  path. 


THE    WATER    DEITIES. 


211 


Ampititrite. 

Araphitrite  was  the  wife  of  Neptune.    She  was  the  daughter 
of  Neveus  and  Doris,  and  the  mother  of  Triton.     Neptune,  to 
pay  his   court   to   Amphitrite,  carae   riding   on   the    dolphin. 
Having  won  her,  he  rewarded  the  dol- 
phin by  placing  him  among  the  stars.  Vwv 

Nereus  and  Doris. 
Nereus  and  Doris  were  the  parents  of 
the  Nereids,  the  most  celebrated  of  whom 
were  Amphitrite,  Thetis,  the  mother  of 
Achilles,  and  Galatea,  who  was  loved  by 
the  Cyclops  Polyphemus.  Nereus  Avas 
distinguished  for  his  knowledge,  and  his 
love  of  truth  and  justice,  and  is  de- 
scribed as  the  Avise  and  unerring  Old 
Man  of  the  Sea.  The  gift  of  prophecy 
was  also  ascribed  to  him. 

Tritox  and  Proteus. 

Triton  was  the  son  of  Neptune  and 
Ampliitrite,  and  the  poets  make 
him  his  father's  trumpeter. 
Proteus  was  also  a  son  of  Nep- 
tune. He,  like  Nereus,  is  styled 
a  sea-elder  for  his  wisdom  and  knowledge  of  future  events. 
His  peculiar  power  was  that  of  changing  his  shape  at  will. 


Thetis. 

Thetis,  the  daughter  of  Nereus  and  Doris,  was  so  beautiful 
that  Jupiter  himself  sought  her  in  marriage;  but  having  learned 
from  Prometheus  the  Titan,  that  Thetis  should  bear  a  son  who 
should  be  greater  than  his  father,  Jupiter  desisted  from  his  suit 
and  decreed  that  Thetis  should  be  the  Avife  of  a  mortal.  By 
the  aid  of  Chiron  the  Centaur,  Peleus  succeeded  in  winning 
the  goddess  for  his  bride,  and  their  son  was  the  renowned 


212  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Achilles.  In  our  chapter  on  the  Trojan  war  it  will  appear  that 
Thetis  was  a  faithful  mother  to  him,  aiding  him  in  all  difficulties, 
and  watching  over  his  interests  from  the  first  to  the  last. 

Leucothea  and  Pal^mon. 

Ino,  the  daughter  of  Cadmus  and  wife  of  Athamas,  flying 
from  her  frantic  husband,  Avith  her  little  son  Melicertes  in  her 
arms,  sprang  from  a  cliff  into  the  sea.  The  gods,  out  of  com- 
passion, made  her  a  goddess  -of  the  sea,  under  the  name 
of  Leucothea,  and  him  a  god  under  that  of  Pala?mon.  Both 
were  held  powerful  to  save  from  shipwreck,  and  Avere  invoked 
by  sailors.  Palnemon  was  usually  represented  riding  on  a 
dolphin.  The  Isthmian  games  were  celebrated  in  his  honor. 
He  was  called  Portumnus  by  the  Romans,  and  believed  to 
have  jurisdiction  of  the  ports  and  shores. 

Milton  alludes  to  all  these  deities  in  the  song  at  the  conclusion 
of  Comus. 

"  Sal)rina  fair, 
Listen  and  appear  to  us, 
In  name  of  great  Oceanus ; 
By  the  earth-shaking  Neptune's  mace, 
And  Tethys'  grave,  majestic  pace. 
By  hoaiy  Nereus'  wrinkled  look, 
And  the  Carpathian  wizard's  hook,' 
By  scaly  Triton's  winding  shell. 
And  old  soothsaying  Glaucus'  spell. 
By  Leucothea's  lovely  hands, 
And  her  son  who  rules  the  strands, 
By  Thetis'  tinsel-slippered  feet. 
And  the  songs  of  Sirens  sweet." 

Armstrong,  the  poet  of  the  Art  of  preserving  Health,  under 
the  inspiration  of  Hygeia,  the  goddess  of  health,  thus  celebrates 
the  Naiads.     Pa^on  is  a  name  both  of  Apollo  and  iEsculapius. 

"  Come,  ye  Naiads  !  to  the  fountains  lead ! 
Propitious  maids  !  the  task  remains  to  sing 
Your  gifts  (so  Paeon,  so  the  powers  of  Health 
Command),  to  praise  j'our  crystal  clement. 

^  Proteus. 


THE    WINDS.  213 

Oh,  comfortable  streams  !  with  eager  lips 
And  trembling  hands  the  languid  thirsty  quaflf 
New  life  in  you  ;  fresh  vigor  fills  their  veins. 
No  warmer  cups  the  rural  ages  knew, 
None  warmer  sought  the  sires  of  humankind; 
Happy  in  temperate  peace  theLi-  equal  da^s 
Felt  not  the  alternate  fits  of  feverish  mirth 
And  sick  dejection;  still  serene  and  pleased, 
Blessed  with  divine  immunity  from  ills, 
Long  centuries  they  lived ;  their  only  fate 
Was  ripe  old  age,  and  rather  sleep  than  deatli." 

The  Camex^e. 

By  this  name  the  Latins  designated  tlie  Muses,  but  included 
under  it  also  some  other  deities,  principally  nymphs  of  foun- 
tains. Egeria  was  one  of  them,  Avhose  fountain  and  grotto  are 
still  sliown.  It  was  said  that  Numa,  the  second  king  of  Rome, 
was  favored  by  this  nymph  with  secret  interviews,  in  which 
she  taught  him  those  lessons  of  wisdom  and  of  law  which  he 
embodied  in  the  institutions  of  his  rising  nation.  After  the 
death  of  Xuma  the  nymph  pined  away  and  was  changed  into 
a  fountain. 

Byron,  in  Childe  Harold,  Canto  IV.,  thus  alludes  to  Egeria 
and  her  grotto  :  — 

"  Here  didst  thou  dwell  in  this  enchanted  cover, 
Egeria!  all  thy  heavenly  bosom  beating 
For  the  far  footsteps  of  thy  mortal  lover ; 
The  purple  midnight  veiled  that  mystic  meeting 
With  her  most  starry  canopy." 

Tennyson,  also,  in  his  Palace  of  Art,  gives  us  a  glimpse  of 
the  royal  lover  expecting  the  interview. 

"  Holding  one  hand  against  his  ear. 
To  list  a  footfall  ere  he  saw 
The  wood-nymph,  stayed  the  Tuscan  king  to  hear 
Of  wisdom  and  of  law." 


The  Winds. 

When  so  many  less  active  agencies  were  personified,  it  is  not 
to  be  supposed   that  the  winds  failed  to  be  so.     They  were 


214 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


Boreas  or  Aquilo,  the  north  wind,  Zephyrus  or  Favonius,  the 
west,  Notus  or  Auster,  the  south,  and  Eurus,  the  east.  The 
first  two  have  been  chiefly  celebrated  by  the  poets,  the  former 
as  the  type  of  rudeness,  the  latter  of  gentleness.  Boreas  loved 
the  nymph  Orithyia,  and  tried  to  play  the  lover's  part,  but  met 
with  poor  success.     It  was  hard  for  him  to  breathe  gently,  and 


sighing  was  out  of  the  question.  Weary  at  last  of  fruitless 
endeavors,  he  acted  out  his  true  character,  seized  the  maiden 
and  carried  her  off.  Their  children  were  Zetes  and  Calais, 
winged  warriors,  who  accompanied  the  Argonautic  expedition, 
and  did  good  service  in  an  encounter  with  those  monstrous 
birds  the  Harpies. 


THE    WINDS. 


215 


Zephyrus  was  the  lover  of  Flora.  Milton  alludes  to  them  in 
Paradise  Lost,  where  he  describes  Adam  waking  and  contem- 
plating Eve  still  asleep :  — 

"He  on  his  side 
Leaning  half  raised,  with  looks  of  cordial  love 
Hung  over  her  enamored,  and  beheld 
Beauty  whicli,  whether  waking  or  asleep. 
Shot  forth  peculiar  graces ;  then  with  voice, 
Mild  as  when  Zephyrus  on  Flora  breathes, 
Her  hand  soft  touching,  whispered  thus,  'Awake  ! 
My  fairest,  ray  espoused,  my  latest  found, 
Heaven's  last,  best  gift,  my  ever-new  ilelight.'  " 


FORTUNE. 


Dr.  Young,  the  poet  of  the  Night  Thoughts,  addressing  the 
idle  and  luxurious,  says  :  — 

"  Ye  delicate  !  who  nothing  can  support 
(Yourselves  most  insupportable),  for  whom 
The  winter  rose  must  blow, 

and  silky  soft' 
Favouius  breathe  still  softer  or  be  cliid ! " 


216 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


Fortuna  is  the  Latin  name  for  Tyche,  the  goddess  of  Fortune. 
The  worship  of  P^ortuna  held  a  position  of  much  higher  impor- 
tance at  Rome  than  did  the  worship  of  Tyche  among  the  Greeks. 
She  was  regarded  at  Rome  as  the  goddess  of  good  fortune 
only,  and  was  usually  represented  holding  the  cornucopia. 


Victoria,  the  Latin  form  for  the  goddess  Nike,  was  highly 
honored  among  the  conquest-loving  Romans,  and  many  tem- 
ples were  dedicated  to  her  at  Rome.  There  was  a  celebrated 
temple  at  Athens  to  the  Greek  goddess  Nike  Apteros,  or 
Wingless  Victory,  of  which  remains  still  exist. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

ACHELOUS  AND  HERCULES.  —  ADMETUS  AND  ALCESTIS. 
ANTIGONE.  —  PENELOPE. 


THE  river-god  AclieloUs  told  the  story  of  Erisichthon  to 
Theseus  and  liis  companions,  wliom  he  was  entertaining  at 
his  hospitable  board,  while  they  were  delayed  on  their  journey 
by  the  overflow  of  his  waters.  Having  finished  his  story,  he 
added,  "But  why  should  I  tell  of  other  persons'  transforma- 
tions, when  I  myself  am  an  instance  of  the  possession  of  this 
power.  Sometimes  I  become  a  serpent,  and  sometimes  a  bull, 
with  horns  on  my  head.  Or  I  should  say,  I  once  could  do  so ; 
but  now  I  have  but  one  horn,  having  lost  one."  And  here  he 
groaned  and  was  silent. 

Theseus  asked  him  the  cause  of  his  grief,  and  how  he  lost 
his  horn.  To  which  question  the  river-god  replied  as  follows  : 
"  Who  likes  to  tell  of  his  defeats  ?    Yet  I  will  not  hesitate  to 

(217) 


218  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

relate  mine,  comforting  inyself  with  the  thought  of  the  great- 
ness of  my  conqueror,  for  it  was  Hercules.  Perhaps  you  have 
heard  of  the  fame  of  Dejanira,  the  fairest  of  maidens,  whom  a 
host  of  suitors  strove  to  win.  Hercules  and  myself  were  of 
the  number,  and  the  rest  yielded  to  us  two.  He  urged  in  his 
l)eha]f  his  descent  from  Jove,  and  his  labors  by  which  he  had 
exceeded  the  exactions  of  Juno,  his  step-mother.  I,  on  the 
other  hand,  said  to  the  father  of  the  maiden,  '  Behold  me,  the 
king  of  the  waters  that  flow  through  your  land.  I  am  no 
stranger  from  a  foreign  shore,  but  belong  to  the  country,  a 
part  of  your  realm.  Let  it  not  stand  in  my  way  that  royal 
Juno  owes  me  no  enmity,  nor  punishes  me  with  heavy  tasks. 
As  for  this  man,  who  boasts  himself  the  son  of  Jove,  it  is  either 
a  false  jjretence,  or  disgi'aceful  to  him  if  true,  for  it  cannot  be 
true  except  by  his  niotlier's  shame.'  As  I  said  this  Hercules 
scowled  upon  me,  and  with  difficulty  restrained  his  rage.  'My 
hand  will  answer  better  than  my  tongue,'  said  he.  '  I  yield 
you  the  victory  in  words,  but  trust  my  cause  to  the  strife  of 
deeds.'  With  that  he  advanced  towards  me,  and  I  was 
ashamed,  after  Avhat  I  had  said,  to  yield.  I  threw  off  my 
green  vesture,  and  presented  myself  for  the  struggle.  He 
tried  to  throw  me,  now  attacking  my  head,  now  my  body. 
My  bulk  was  my  protection,  and  he  assailed  me  in  vain.  For 
a  time  we  stopped,  tlien  returned  to  the  conflict.  We  each 
kept  our  position,  determined  not  to  yield,  foot  to  foot,  I  bend- 
ing over  him,  clinching  his  hands  in  mine,  Avith  my  forehead 
almost  touching  his.  Thrice  Hercides  tried  to  throw  me  off, 
and  the  fourth  time  he  succeeded,  brought  me  to  the  ground 
and  himself  upon  my  back.  I  tell  you  the  truth,  it  was  as  if  a 
mountain  had  fallen  on  me.  I  struggled  to  get  my  arms  at 
liberty,  panting  and  reeking  with  perspiration.  He  gave  me 
no  chance  to  recover,  but  seized  my  throat.  My  knees  were 
on  the  earth  and  my  mouth  in  the  dust. 

"  Finding  that  I  was  no  match  for  him  in  the  warrior's  art, 
I  resorted  to  others,  and  glided  away  in  the  form  of  a  serpent. 
I  curled  my  body  in  a  coil,  and  hissed  at  him  with  my  forked 
tongue.  He  smiled  scornfully  at  this,  and  said, 'It  was  the 
labor  of  my  infancy  to  conquer  snakes.'     So  saying  he  clasi)ed 


ACHELOUS  AND  HERCULES.  219 

my  neck  Avith  his  hands.  I  was  ahnost  clicked,  and  struggled 
to  get  my  neck  out  of  his  grasp.  Vanquished  in  this  form,  I 
tried  what  alone  remained  to  me,  and  assumed  the  form  of  a 
bull.  He  grasped  my  neck  with  liis  arm,  and,  dragging  my 
head  down  to  the  ground,  overthrew  me  on  the  sand.  Nor 
was  this  enough.  His  ruthless  hand  rent  my  horn  from  my 
head.  The  Naiades  took  it,  consecrated  it,  and  filled  it  with 
fragrant  flowers.  Plenty  adopted  my  hoi'n,  and  made  it  her 
own,  and  called  it  Cornucopia." 

The  ancients  were  fond  of  finding  a  hidden  meaning  in  their 
mythological  tales.  They  explain  this  fight  of  Acheloiis  with 
Hercules  by  saying  Acheloiis  was  a  river  that  in  seasons  of  rain 
overflowed  its  banks.  When  the  fable  says  that  Achelous 
loved  Dejanira,  and  sought  a  union  with  her,  the  meaning  is, 
that  the  river  in  its  windings  flowed  through  part  of  Dejanira's 
kingdom.  It  was  said  to  take  the  form  of  a  snake  because  of 
its  winding,  and  of  a  bull  because  it  made  a  brawling  or  roai'ing 
in  its  course.  When  the  river  swelled,  it  made  itself  another 
channel.  Thus  its  head  was  horned.  Hercules  prevented  the 
return  of  these  periodical  overflows,  by  embankments  and 
canals ;  and  therefore  he  was  said  to  have  vanquished  the 
river-god  and  cut  off  his  horn.  Finally,  the  lands  formerly 
subject  to  overflow,  but  now  redeemed,  became  very  fertile, 
and  this  is  meant  by  the  horn  of  plenty. 

There  is  another  account  of  the  origin  of  the  Cornucopia. 
Ju]Hter  at  his  birth  was  committed  by  his  mother  Rhea  to  the 
care  of  the  daughters  of  Melisseus,  a  Cretan  king.  They  fed 
the  infant  deity  with  the  milk  of  the  goat  Amalthea.  Jupiter 
broke  off  one  of  the  horns  of  the  goat  and  gave  it  to  his  nurses, 
and  endowed  it  with  the  wonderful  power  of  becoming  filled 
with  whatever  the  possessor  might  wish. 

The  name  of  Amalthea  is  also  given  by  some  writers  to  the 
mother  of  Bacchus.  It  is  thus  used  by  IMilton,  Paradise  Lost, 
Book  IV.:  — 

"  —  That  Nyseian  isle, 
Girt  with  the  river  Triton,  where  old  Cham, 
Whom  Gentiles  Animon  call,  and  I^ibyan  Jove, 
Hid  Amalthea  and  her  florid  son, 
Young  Bacchus,  from  his  stepdame  Rhea's  eye." 


220 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


Admetus  and  Alcestis. 


^sculapius,  the  son  of  Apollo,  was  endowed  by  his  father 
with  such  skill  hi  the  healing  art  that  he  even  restored  the 
dead  to  life.  At  this  Pluto  took  alarm,  and  prevailed  on 
Jupiter  to  launch  a  thunderbolt  at  ^sculapius.  Apollo  was 
indignant  at  the  destruction  of  his  son, 
and  wreaked  his  vengeance  on  the  in- 
nocent workmen  who  had  made  the 
thunderbolt.  These  were  the  Cyclo})es, 
who  have  their  workshoj)  under  Mount 
^tna,  from  which  the  smoke  and  flames 
of  their  furnaces  are  constantly  issuing. 
Apollo  shot  his  arrows  at  the  Cyclopes, 
which  so  incensed  Jupiter  that  he  con- 
demned him  as  a  punishment  to  become 
tlie  servant  of  a  mortal  for  the  space 
of  one  year.  Accordingly  Apollo  Mxnt 
into  the  service  of  Admetus,  king  of 
Thessaly,  and  pastured  his  flocks  for 
liim  on  the  verdant  banks  of  the  river 
Amphrysus. 

Admetus  was  a  suitor,  with  others, 
for  the  hand  of  Alcestis,  the  daughter 
of  Pelias,  who  promised  her  to  him 
Avho  should  come  for  her  in  a  chariot 
drawn  by  lions  and  boars.  This  task- 
Admetus  performed  by  the  assist- 
ance of  liis  divine  herdsman,  and 
Avas  made  ha])py  in  the  possession 
of  Alcestis.  But  Admetus  fell  ill,  and  being  near  to  death, 
Apollo  prevailed  on  the  Fates  to  spare  him  on  condition 
that  some  one-would  consent  to  die  in  his  stead.  Admetus, 
in  his  joy  at  this  reprieve,  thought  little  of  the  ransom, 
and  perhaps  remembering  the  declarations  of  attachment 
which  he  had  often  heard  from  his  courtiers  and  depend- 
ents, fancied  that  it  would  be  easy  to  find  a  substitute. 
But   it   was   not   so.     Brave    warrioi-s,    >\ho    would   willingly 


JiSCULAlMUS. 


ADMETUS    AND    ALCESTIS.  221 

have  perilled  their  lives  for  their  prince,  slirunk  from  the 
thought  of  (lying  for  him  on  the-  bed  of  sickness;  and  old 
servants  who  had  experienced  his  bounty  and  that  of  his  house 
from  their  childhood  up,  were  not  willing  to  lay  down  the 
scanty  remnant  of  their  days  to  show  their  gratitude.  Men 
.  asked,  —  "  Why  does  not  one  of  his  parents  do  it  ?  They  can- 
not in  the  course  of  nature  live  much  longer,  and  who  can  feel 
like  them  the  call  to  rescue  the  life  they  gave  fi'om  an  untimely 
end?"  But  the  parents,  distressed  though  they  were  at  the 
thought  of  losing  him,  shrunk  from  the  call.  Then  Alcestis, 
with  a  generous  self-devotion,  ]»roffered  herself  as  the  sub- 
stitute. Admetus,  fond  as  he  Avas  of  life,  Avould  not  have 
submitted  to  receive  it  at  such  a  cost;  but  there  was  no 
remedy.  The  condition  imposed  by  the  Fates  had  been  met, 
and  the  decree  was  irrevocable.  Alcestis  sickened  as  Admetus 
revived,  and  she  was  rapidly  sinking  to  the  grave. 

Just  at  this  time  Hercules  arrived  at  the  palace  of  Admetus, 
and  found  all  the  inmates  in  great  distress  for  the  impending 
loss  of  the  devoted  wife  and  beloved  mistress.  Hercules,  to 
whom  no  labor  was  too  arduous,  resolved  to  attempt  her  res- 
cue. He  went  and  lay  in  wait  at  the  door  of  the  chamber  of 
the  dying  queen,  and  when  Death  came  for  his  prey,  he  seized 
Jiim  and  forced  him  to  resign  his  victim.  Alcestis  recovered, 
and  was  restored  to  her  husband. 

Milton  alludes  to  the  story  of  Alcestis  in  his  Sonnet  on  his 
deceased  wife. 

"Metliou<Tht  I  saw  my  late  espoused  saint, 

Brought  to  mo  like  Alcestis  from  the  "jravc, 
AVhom  Jove's  f;roat  son  to  her  glad  husbanil  <:avc, 
Eescucd  from  death  l\v  force,  though  pale  and  faint." 

James  Russell  Lowell  has  chosen  the  "  Shepherd  of  King 
Admetus"  for  the  subject  of  a  short  poem.  He  makes  that 
event  the  first  introduction  of  poetry  to  men. 

"  Men  called  him  but  a  shiftless  youth, 
In  whom  no  good  they  saw. 
And  yet  unwittingly,  in  truth, 
They  made  his  careless  words  their  law. 


222  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES, 

*'  And  day  by  day  more  holy  jci'ew 
Each  spot  where  he  had  trod, 
Till  after-poets  only  knew 

Their  first-boru  brother  was  a  god." 

In  The  Love  of  Alcestis,  one  of  the  poems  in  The  Earthly- 
Paradise,  Mr.  Morris  thus  tells  the  story  of  the  taming  of  the 
lions :  — 

" Rising  up  no  more  delay  he  made, 

But  took  the  stafY  and  gained  the  palace-door 

Whei-e  stood  the  beasts,  whose  mingled  whine  and  roar 

Had  wrought  his  dream ;  there  two  and  two  they  stood, 

Thinking,  it  might  be,  of  the  tangled  wood, 

And  all  the  joys  of  the  food-hiding  trees. 

But  harmless  as  their  painted  images 

'Neath  some  dread  spell;  then,  leaping  up,  he  took 

The  reins  in  hand  and  the  bossed  leather  shook, 

And  no  delay  the  conquered  beasts  durst  make, 

But  drew,  not  silent ;  and  folk  just  awake, 

AVhen  he  went  by  as  though  a  god  they  saw, 

Fell  on  their  knees,  and  maidens  come  to  draw 

Fresh  water  from  the  fount,  sank  trembling  down, 

And  silence  held  the  babbling,  wakened  town." 

Antigone. 

The  poems  and  histories  of  legendary  Greece  often  relate,  as 
has  been  seen,  to  women  and  their  lives.  Antigone  was  as 
bi-ight  an  example  of  filial  and  sisterly  fidelity  as  Avas  Alcestis 
of  connubial  devotion.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Q^^dipus  and 
Jocasta,  who,  with  all  their  descendants,  were  the  victims  of 
an  unrelenting  fate,  dooming  them  to  destruction.  CEdipus  in 
his  madness  had  torn  out  his  eyes,  and  was  driven  forth  from 
his  kingdom  Thebes,  dreaded  and  abandoned  by  all  men,  as  an 
object  of  divine  vengeance.  Antigone,  his  daughter,  alone 
shared  his  wanderings,  and  remained  Avith  him  till  he  died, 
and  then  returned  to  Thebes. 

Iler  brothers,  Eteocles  and  Polynices,  had  agreed  to  share 
the  kingdom  between  them,  and  reign  alternately  year  by  year. 
The  first  year  fell  to  the  lot  of  Eteocles,  who,  when  his  time  ex- 
pired, refused  to  surrender  the  kingdom  to  his  brother.  Polynices 
fled  to  Adrastus,  king  of  Ai-gos,  Avho  gave  him  his  daughter  in 
marriage,  and  aided  him  with  an  army  to  enforce  his  claim  to  the 


ANTIGONE.  223 

kin^rdom.  This  led  to  the  celcbratecl  expedition  of  the  "  Seven 
against  Thebes,"  which  furnislied  amj)le  materials  for  the  epic 
and  tragic  poets  of  Greece. 

Amphiaraus,  the  brother-in-law  of  Adrastns,  o])posed  the 
enterprise,  for  he  was  a  soothsayer,  and  knew  by  his  art  tliat 
no  one  of  the  leaders  excei)t  Adrastus  would  live  to  return. 
But  Amphiaraus,  on  his  marriage  to  Eriphyle,  the  king's  sister, 
had  agreed  that  whenever  he  and  Adrastus  should  differ  in 
o])inion,  the  decision  should  be  left  to  Eriphyle.  Polynices, 
knowing  this,  gave  Eriphyle  the  collar  of  Harmonia,  and 
thereby  gained  her  to  his  interest.  This  collar  or  necklace 
A\'as  a  present  Avhich  Vulcan  had  given  to  Harmonia  on  her 
marriage  with  Cadmus,  and  Polynices  had  taken  it  with  liiin 
on  his  flight  from  Thebes.  Eriphyle  could  not  resist  so  temjtt- 
ing  a  bribe,  and  by  her  decision  the  war  was  resolved  on,  and 
Am])hiaraus  M^ent  to  his  certain  fate.  He  bore  his  ])art  bravely 
in  the  contest,  but  could  not  avert  his  destiny.  Pursued  by 
the  enemy  he  fled  along  the  river,  when  a  thunderbolt  launched 
by  Jupiter  opened  the  ground,  and  he,  his  chariot,  and  his 
charioteer,  Avere  swallowed  up. 

It  would  not  be  in  ])lace  liere  to  detail  all  the  acts  of  heroism 
or  atrocity  Avhich  marked  the  contest ;  but  we  must  not  omit 
to  record  the  fidelity  of  Evadne  as  an  offset  to  the  weakness  of 
Eriphyle.  Cai)aneus,  the  husband  of  Evadne,  in  the  ardor  of 
the  fight,  declared  that  he  would  force  his  Avay  into  the  city  in 
spite  of  Jove  himself.  Placing  a  ladder  against  the  wall,  he 
mounted,  but  Jupiter,  offended  at  his  impious  language,  struck 
him  with  a  thunderbolt.  When  his  obsequies  were  celebrated, 
Evadne  cast  herself  on  his  funeral  pile  and  perished. 

Early  in  the  contest  Eteocles  consulted  the  soothsayer 
Tiresias  as  to  the  issue.  Tiresias,  in  his  youth,  had  by  chance 
seen  Minerva  bathing.  The  goddess  in  her  wrath  deprived 
him  of  his  sight,  but  afterwards  relenting  gave  him  in  compen- 
sation the  knowledge  of  future  events.  When  consulted  by 
Eteocles,  he  declared  that  victory  should  fall  to  Thebes  if 
Mena?ceus,  the  son  of  Creon,  gave  himself  a  voluntary  victim. 
The  heroic  youth,  learning  the  response,  threw  away  his  life  in 
the  first  encounter. 


224  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

The  siege  continued  long,  with  various  success.  At  length 
both  hosts  agreed  that  the  brothers  should  decide  their  quarrel 
l)y  single  combat.  They  fought  and  fell  by  each  other's  hands. 
The  armies  then  renewed  the  fight,  and  at  last  the  invaders 
were  forced  to  yield,  and  fled,  leaving  their  dead  nnburied. 
Creon,  the  uncle  of  the  fallen  princes,  now  become  king,  caused^ 
Eteocles  to  be  buried  Avith  distinguished  honor,  but  suffered 
tlie  body  of  Polynices  to  lie  where  it  fell,  forbidding  every  one, 
on  pain  of  death,  to  give  it  burial. 

Antigone,  the  sister  of  Polynices,  heard  with  indignation  the 
revolting  edict  which  consigned  her  brother's  body  to  the  dogs 
and  vultures,  depriving  it  of  those  rites  Avliich  Avere  considered 
essential  to  the  repose  of  the  dead.  Unmoved  by  the  dissuad- 
ing counsel  of  an  affectionate  but  timid  sister,  and  unable  to 
l)rocure  assistance,  she  determined  to  brave  the  hazard  and  to 
bury  the  body  Avith  her  own  hands.  She  Avas  detected  in  the 
act,  and  Creon  gaA'e  orders  that  she  should  be  buried  alive,  as 
having  deliberately  set  at  nought  the  solemn  edict  of  the  city. 
Her  lover,  Hoemon,  the  son  of  Creon,  unable  to  avert  her  fate, 
would  not  surA'iA'e  her,  and  fell  by  liis  OAvn  hand. 

Antigone  forms  the  subject  of  two  fine  tragedies  of  the 
Grecinn  poet  Sophocles.  Mrs.  Jameson,  in  her  Characteristics 
of  Women,  has  compared  her  character  Avith  that  of  Cordelia, 
in  Shakespeare's  King  Lear.  The  perusal  of  her  remarks  can- 
not fail  to  gratify  our  readers. 

The  folloAving  is  the  lamentation  of  Antigone  over  O^dij^is, 
wlien  death  has  at  last  relieved  him  from  his  sufferings:  — 

"  Alas  I  I  only  wished  I  might  have  died 
With  my  poor  fatlier;  wherefore  should  I  ask 
For  longer  life  ? 

Oh,  I  was  fond  of  misery  with  him  ; 
E'en  what  was  most  unlovely  grew  heloved 
When  he  was  with  me.     Oh,  my  dearest  father, 
Beneath  the  earth  now  in  deep  darkness  hid, 
Worn  as  thou  wert  with  age,  to  me  thou  still 
Wast  dear,  and  shalt  be  ever." 

Franckliti's  Sophocles. 


PENELOPE. 


225 


Penelope. 

Penelope  is  another  of  those  mythic  heroines  whose  beauties 
were  rather  tliose  of  character  and  conduct  than  of  person. 
She  was  the  daughter  of  Icarius,  a  Spartan  prince.  Ulysses, 
king  of  Ithaca,  sought  her  in  marriage,  and  won  her  over  all 
competitors.     When  the  moment  came  for  the  bride  to  leave 


ULYSSES   AND   I'ENELOrE. 


her  father's  house,  Icarius,  unable  to  bear  the  thoughts  of  part- 
ing with  his  daughter,  tried  to  persuade  her  to  remain  with 
him,  and  not  accompany  her  husband  to  Ithaca.  Ulysses  gave 
Penelope  her  choice,  to  stay  or  go  with  him.  Penelope  made 
no  reply,  but  dropped  her  veil  over  her  face.  Icarius  urged 
her  no  further,  but  when  she  was  gone  erected  a  statue  to 
Modesty  on  the  spot  where  they  parted. 

Ulysses  and  Penelope  had  not  enjoyed  their  union  more 
than  a  year  when  it  was  interrupted  by  the  events  which  called 
Ulysses  to  the  Trojan  war.     During  his  long  absence,  and 


22G  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

when  it  was  doubtful  whether  he  still  lived,  and  highly  im- 
probable that  he  Avould  ever  return,  Penelope  was  importuned 
by  numerous  suitors,  from  whom  there  seemed  no  refuge  but 
in  choosing  one  of  them  for  her  husband.  Penelojie,  however, 
employed  every  art  to  gain  time,  still  hoping  for  Ulysses' 
return.  One  of  her  arts  of  delay  was  engaging  in  the  prepara- 
tion of  a  robe  for  the  funeral  canopy  of  Laertes,  her  husband's 
father.  She  pledged  herself  to  make  her  choice  among  the 
suitors  when  the  robe  was  finished.  During  the  day  she 
worked  at  the  robe,  but  in  the  night  she  undid  the  work  of 
the  day.  This  is  the  famous  Penelope's  web,  Avhich  is  used 
as  a  proverbial  expression  for  anything  which  is  perpetually 
doing  but  never  done.  The  rest  of  Penelope's  history  will  be 
told  when  we  give  an  account  of  her  husband's  adventures. 


CHAPTER   XYII. 

ORPHEUS  AND  EURYDICE.—ARIST^US.—AMPHION.— LINUS. 
—  THAMYRIS.  —  MARSYAS.  —  MELAMPUS.  — MUS.EUS. 


ORPHEUS  was  the  son  of  Apollo  and  the  Muse  Calliope. 
He  was  presented  by  his  father  Avith  a  lyre  and  taught 
to  play  upon  it,  and  he  played  to  such  perfection  that  nothing 
could  Avithstand  the  charm  of  his  music.  Not  only  his  fellow- 
mortals,  but  wild  beasts  were  softened  by  his  strains,  and 
gathering  round  him  laid  by  their  fierceness,  and  stood  en- 
tranced with  his  lay.  Nay,  the  very  trees  and  rocks  were  sen- 
sible to  the  charm.  The  former  crowded  round  him  and  the 
latter  relaxed  somewhat  of  their  hardness,  softened  by  his 
notes. 

Hymen  had  been  called  to  bless  with  his  presence  the  nup- 
tials of  Orpheus  with  Eurydice ;  but  though  he  attended,  he 
brought  no  happy  omens  with  him.  His  very  torch  smoked 
and  brought  tears  into  their  eyes.  In  coincidence  with  such 
prognostics  Eurydice,  shortly  after  her  marriage,  while  wan- 
dering with  the  nymphs,  her  companions,  was  seen  by  the 
shepherd  Aristagus,  who  was  struck  with  her  beauty,  and  made 
advances  to  her.  She  fled,  and  in  flying  trod  upon  a  snake  in 
the  grass,  was  bitten  in  the  foot  and  died.  Orpheus  sang  his 
grief  to  all  who  breathed  the  upper  air,  both  gods  and  men, 

(227) 


228  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

and  finding  it  all  unavailing  resolved  to  seek  his  wife  in  the 
regions  of  the  dead.  He  descended  by  a  cave  situated  on  the 
side  of  the  promontory  of  Ta?narus  and  arrived  at  the  Stygian 
realm.  He  passed  through  crowds  of  ghosts,  and  presented 
himself  before  the  throne  of  Pluto  and  Proserpine.  Acconi- 
])anying  the  words  with  the  lyre,  he  sung,  "  O  deities  of  the 
underworld,  to  whom  all  we  who  live  must  come,  hear  my 
words,  for  they  are  true  !  I  come  not  to  spy  out  tlie  secrets  of 
Tartarus,  nor  to  try  my  strength  against  the  three-headed  dog 
with  snaky  hair  who  guards  the  entrance.  I  come  to  seek  my 
wife,  whose  opening  years  the  poisonous  viper's  fang  has 
brought  to  an  untimely  end.  Love  has  led  me  here.  Love,  a 
god  all  powerful  with  us  who  dwell  on  the  earth,  and,  if  old 
traditions  say  true,  not  less  so  here.  I  implore  you  by  these 
abodes  full  of  terror,  these  realms  of  silence  and  uncreated 
things,  unite  again  the  thread  of  Eurydice's  life.  We  all  are 
destined  to  you,  and  sooner  or  later  must  pass  to  your  domain. 
She  too,  when  she  shall  have  filled  her  term  of  life,  will  rightly 
be  yours.  But  till  then  grant  her  to  me,  I  beseech  you.  If 
you  deny  me,  I  cannot  return  alone ;  you  shall  triumph  in  the 
death  of  us  both." 

As  he  sang  these  tender  strains,  the  very  ghosts  shed  tears. 
Tantalus,  in  spite  of  his  thirst,  stopped  for  a  moment  his  efforts 
for  water,  Ixion's  Avheel  stood  still,  the  vulture  ceased  to  tear 
the  giant's  liver,  the  daughters  of  DanaiJs  rested  from  their 
task  of  drawing  water  in  a  sieve,  and  Sisyphus  sat  on  his  rock 
to  listen.  Then  for  the  first  time,  it  is  said,  the  cheeks  of  the 
Furies  were  wet  with  tears.  Proserpine  could  not  resist,  and 
Pluto  himself  gave  way.  Eurydice  was  called.  She  came 
from  among  the  new-arrived  ghosts,  limping  with  her  wounded 
foot.  Orpheus  was  permitted  to  take  her  away  with  him  on 
one  condition,  that  he  should  not  turn  round  to  look  at  her  till 
they  should  have  reached  the  upper  air.  Lender  this  condition 
they  proceeded  on  their  way,  he  leading,  she  following,  through 
passages  dark  and  steep,  in  total  silence,  till  they  had  nearly 
reached  the  outlet  into  the  cheerful  upper  world,  when  OrjAeus, 
in  a  moment  of  forgetfulness,  to  assure  himself  that  she  was 
still  following,  cast  a  glance  behind  him,  when  instantly  she 


ORPHEUS  AND  EURYDICE.  229 

was  borne  away.  Stretching  out  their  arms  to  embrace  one 
another  they  grasped  only  tlie  air.  Dying  now  a  second  time 
she  yet  cannot  reproach  her  husband,  for  how  can  she  blame 
his  impatience  to  behold  her?  "Farewell,"  she  said,  "a  last 
farewell,"  —  and  was  hurried  away,  so  fast  that  the  sound 
.hardly  reached  his  ears. 

Orijheus  endeavored  to  follow  lier,  and  besought  permission 
to  return  and  try  once  more  for  her  release ;  but  the  stern  fer- 
ryman repulsed  him  and  refused  j^assage.  Seven  days  he 
lingered  about  the  brink,  without  food  or  sleej) ;  then  bitterly 
accusing  of  cruelty  the  powers  of  Erebus,  he  sang  his  com- 
plaints to  the  rocks  and  mountains,  melting  the  hearts  of  tigers 
and  moving  the  oaks  from  their  stations.  He  held  himself 
aloof  from  Avomankind,  dwelling  constantly  on  the  recollection 
of  his  sad  mischance.  The  Thracian  maidens  tried  their  best 
to  captivate  him,  but  he  repulsed  their  advances.  They  bore 
with  him  as  long  as  they  could ;  but  finding  him  insensible, 
one  day,  one  of  them,  excited  by  the  rites  of  Bacchus,  ex- 
claimed, "  See  yonder  our  despiser !  "  and  threw  at  him  her 
javelin.  The  weapon,  as  soon  as  it  came  Avithin  the  sound  of 
his  lyre,  fell  harmless  at  his  feet.  So  did  also  the  stones  that 
they  threw  at  him.  But  the  women  raised  a  scream  and 
drowned  the  voice  of  the  music,  and  then  the  missiles  reached 
him  and  soon  were  stained  with  his  blood.  The  maniacs  tore 
him  limb  from  limb,  and  thrcAV  his  head  and  his  lyre  into  the 
river  Hebrus,  down  which  they  floated,  murmuring  sad  music, 
to  which  the  shores  responded  a  plaintive  symphony.  The 
Muses  gathered  up  the  fragments  of  his  body  and  buried  them 
at  Libethra,  where  the  nightingale  is  said  to  sing  over  his 
grave  more  SAveetly  than  in  any  other  part  of  Greece.  His 
lyre  was  placed  by  Jupiter  among  the  stars.  His  shade  passed 
a  second  time  to  Tartarus,  where  he  sought  out  his  Eurydice 
and  embraced  her,  with  eager  arms.  They  roam  through  those 
happy  fields  together  now,  sometimes  he  leads,  sometimes 
she ;  and  Oi'pheus  gazes  as  much  as  he  Avill  upon  her,  no  longer 
incurring  a  penalty  for  a  thoughtless  glance. 

The  story  of  Orpheus   has  furnished  Pope  with  an  illus- 


230  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

tration  of  the  power  of   music,  for  his  Ode  for  St.  Cecilia's 
Day.      The   following   stanza   relates   the   conclusion   of    the 

story :  — 

"  But  soon,  too  soon  the  lover  turns  his  eyes; 
Again  she  falls,  again  she  dies,  she  dies ! 
How  wilt  thou  now  the  liital  sisters  move  ? 
No  crime  was  thine,  if  'tis  no  crime  to  love. 
Now  under  hanging  mountains, 
Beside  the  falls  of  fountains, 
Or  wliere  Hebrus  wanders. 
Rolling  in  meanders. 
All  alone, 

He  makes  his  moan. 
And  calls  her  ghost. 
Forever,  ever,  ever  lost! 
Now  with  furies  surrounded, 
Despairing,  confounded. 
He  trembles,  he  glows. 
Amidst  Rhodope's  snows. 
See,  wild  as  the  winds  o'er  the  desert  he  flies; 
Hark !  H»mus  resounds  with  the  Bacchanals'  cries. 

Ah,  see,  he  dies ! 
Yet  even  in  death  Eurj-dice  he  sung, 
Eurydicc  still  trembled  on  his  tongue  : 
Eurydice  the  woods, 
Eurydice  the  Hoods, 
Eurydice  the  rocks  and  hollow  mountains  rung." 

The  superior  melody  of  the  nightingale's  song  over  the  grave 
of  Orpheus,  is  alluded  to  by  Southey  in  his  Thalaba :  — 

"  Then  on  his  car  what  sounds 
Of  harmony  arose ! 
Far  music  and  the  distance-mellowed  song 
From  bowers  of  merriment ; 
The  waterfall  remote ; 
The  murmuring  of  the  leafy  groves ; 
The  single  nightingale 
Perched  in  the  rosier  by,  so  richly  toned, 
That  never  from  that  most  melodious  bird 
Singing  a  love-song  to  his  brooding  mate. 
Did  Thracian  shepherd  by  the  grave 
Of  Orpheus  hear  a  sweeter  melody. 
Though  there  the  spirit  of  the  sepulchre 
All  his  own  power  infuse,  to  swell 
The  incense  that  he  loves." 


ARIST^US,    THE    BEE-KEEPER.  231 


Arist^eus,  the  Bee-Keeper. 

Man  avails  himself  of  the  instincts  of  the  inferior  animals 
for  his  own  advantage.  Hence  sjjrang  the  art  of  keeping  bees. 
Honey  must  first  have  been  known  as  a  wild  product,  the  bees 
building  their  structures  in  hollow  trees  or  holes  in  the  rocks, 
or  any  similar  cavity  that  chance  offered.  Thus  occasionally 
the  carcass  of  a  dead  animal  would  be  occupied  by  the  bees  for 
that  purpose.  It  was  no  doubt  from  some  such  incident  that 
the  superstition  arose  that  the  bees  were  engendered  by  the 
decaying  flesh  of  the  animal ;  and  Virgil,  in  the  following 
story,^  shows  how  this  supposed  fact  may  be  turned  to  account 
for  renewing  the  swarm  when  it  has  been  lost  by  disease  or 
accident. 

The  shepherd  Aristoeus,  who  first  taught  the  management  of 
bees,  was  the  son  of  the  Avater-nym})h  Cyrene.  His  bees  had 
perished,  and  he  resorted  for  aid  to  his  mother.  He  stood  at 
the  river  side  and  thus  addressed  her:  "Oh,  mother,  the  pride 
of  my  life  is  taken  from  me !  I  have  lost  my  precious  bees. 
My  care  and  skill  have  availed  me  nothing,  and  you,  my  mother, 
have  not  warded  off  from  me  the  blow  of  misfortune."  His 
mother  heard  these  complaints  as  she  sat  in  her  palace  at  the 
bottom  of  the  river  with  her  attendant  nymphs  around  her. 
They  were  engaged  in  female  occupations,  spinning  and  weav- 
hig,  Avhile  one  told  stories  to  amuse  the  rest.  The  sad  voice 
of  Aristffius  interrupting  their  occupation,  one  of  them  put 
her  head  above  the  water  and  seeing  him,  returned  and  gave 
information  to  his  mother,  who  ordered  that  he  should  be 
brought  into  her  presence.  The  river  at  her  command  opened 
itself  and  let  him  pass  in,  wiiile  it  stood  curled  like  a  mountain 
on  either  side.  He  descended  to  the  region  whei-e  the  foun- 
tains of  the  great  rivers  lie ;  he  saw  the  enormous  receptacles 
of  w\aters  and  was  almost  deafened  with  the  roar,  while  he 
surveyed  them  hurrying  off  in  various  directions  to  water  the 
face  of  the  earth.  Arriving  at  his  mother's  apartment  he  was 
hospitably  received  by  Cyrene  and  her  nymphs,  Avho  spread 

1  From  the  Gcorgics,  Book  IV.  1.  317. 


232  STORIES    OF    GODS    AXD    HEROES. 

their  table  with  the  richest  dainties.  They  first  jjoured  out 
libations  to  Neptune,  then  regaled  themselves  with  the  feast, 
and  after  that  Cyrene  thus  addressed  him :  "  There  is  an  old 
prophet  named  Proteus,  who  dwells  in  the  sea  and  is  a  favorite 
of  Neptune,  whose  herd  of  sea-calves  he  pastures.  We  nymphs 
hold  him  in  great  respect,  for  he  is  a  learned  sage,  and  knows 
all  things,  past,  present,  and  to  come.  He  can  tell  you,  my 
son,  the  cause  of  tlie  mortality  among  your  bees,  and  how  you 
may  remedy  it.  But  he  will  not  do  it  voluntarily,  however 
you  may  entreat  him.  You  must  compel  him  by  force.  If  you 
seize  him  and  chain  him,  he  will  answer  your  questions  in  order 
to  get  released,  for  he  cannot,  by  all  his  arts,  get  away  if  you 
hold  fast  the  chains.  I  will  carry  you  to  his  cave,  where  he 
comes  at  noon  to  take  his  midday  repose.  Then  you  may 
easily  secure  him.  But  when  he  .finds  himself  captured,  his 
resort  is  to  a  power  he  jjossesses  of  changing  himself  into 
various  forms.  He  will  become  a  wild  boar  or  a  fierce  tiger, 
a  scaly  dragon,  or  lion  with  yellow  mane.  Or  he  will  make  a 
noise  like  the  crackling  of  flames  or  the  rush  of  Avatei-,  so  as  to 
tempt  you  to  let  go  the  chain,  when  he  will  make  his  escape. 
But  you  have  only  to  keep  him  fast  bound,  and  at  last  when 
he  finds  all  his  arts  unavailing,  he  will  return  to  his  own  figure 
and  obey  your  commands."  So  saying  she  sprinkled  her  son 
with  fragrant  nectar,  the  beverage  of  the  gods,  and  immediately 
an  unusual  vigor  filled  his  frame  and  courage  his  heart,  wliile 
perfume  breathed  all  around  him. 

The  nymph  led  her  son  to  the  prophet's  cave,  and  concealed 
him  among  the  recesses  of  the  rocks,  while  she  herself  took  her 
place  behind  the  clouds.  When  noon  came  and  the  hour  when 
men  and  herds  retreat  from  the  glaring  sun  to  indulge  in  quiet 
slumber,  Proteus  issued  from  the  Avater,  followed  by  his  herd 
of  sea-calves,  which  spread  themselves  along  the  shore.  He 
sat  on  the  rock  and  counted  his  herd ;  then  stretched  himself 
on  the  floor  of  the  cave  and  went  to  sleep.  Arista?us  hardly 
allowed  him  to  get  fairly  asleep  before  he  fixed  the  fetters  on 
him  and  shouted  aloud.  Proteus,  waking  and  finding  himself 
captured,  immediately  resorted  to  his  arts,  becoming  first  a  fire, 
then  a  flood,  then  a  horrible  Avild  beast,  in  rapid  succession. 


ARIST.EUS,    THE    BEE-KEEPER.  233 

But  trying  all  in  vain,  he  at  last  resumed  his  own  form 
and  addressed  the  youth  in  angry  accents :  "  Who  are  you, 
bold  youth,  who  thus  invade  my  abode,  and  what  do  you  want 
with  me?"  Aristaeus  replied,  "Proteus,  you  know  already, 
for  it  is  needless  for  any  one  to  attempt  to  deceive  you.  And 
do  you  also  cease  your  efforts  to  elude  me.  I  am  led  hither 
by  divine  assistance,  to  know  from  you  the  cause  of  my  misfor- 
tune and  liow  to  remedy  it."  At  these  words  the  prophet, 
fixing  on  him  his  gray  eyes  with  a  piercing  look,  thus  spoke  : 
"  You  received  the  merited  reward  of  your  deeds,  by  which 
Eurydice  met  her  death,  for  in  flying  from  you  she  trod  upon 
a  serpent,  of  Avhose  bite  she  died.  To  avenge  her  death  the 
nymj)hs,  her  companions,  have  sent  this  destruction  to  your 
bees.  You  have  to  appease  their  anger,  and  thus  it  must  be 
done :  Select  four  bulls  of  perfect  form  and  size,  and  four  cows 
of  equal  beauty,  build  four  altars  to  the  nymphs,  and  sacrifice 
the  animals,  leaving  their  carcasses  in  the  leafy  grove.  To 
Orpheus  and  Eurydice  you  shall  pay  such  funeral  honors  as 
may  allay  their  resentment.  Returning  after  nine  days  you 
will  examine  the  bodies  of  the  cattle  slain  and  see  Avhat  will 
befall."  Aristaeus  faithfully  obeyed  these  directions.  He  sac- 
rificed the  cattle,  he  left  their  bodies  in  the  grove,  he  offered 
funeral  honors  to  the  shades  of  Orpheus  and  Eurydice ;  then 
returning  on  the  ninth  day  he  examined  the  bodies  of  the  ani- 
mals, and,  wonderful  to  relate !  a  swarm  of  bees  had  taken 
possession  of  one  of  the  carcasses,  and  were  pursuing  their 
labors  there  as  in  a  hive. 

In  the  Task,  Cowper  alludes  to  the  story  of  Aristaeus,  Avhen 
speaking  of  the  ice-palace  built  by  the  Empress  Anne  of  Russia. 
He  has  been  describing  the  fantastic  forms  which  ice  assumes 
in  connection  with  waterfalls,  etc. :  — 

"  Less  worthy  of  applause  though  more  admired, 
Because  a  novelty,  the  work  of  man, 
Imperial  mistress  of  the  fur-clad  Russ, 
Thy  most  magnificent  and  mighty  freak, 
The  wonder  of  the  north.    No  forest  fell 
When  thou  wouldst  build,  no  quariy  sent  its  stores 
T'enrich  thy  walls :  but  thou  didst  hew  tlie  floods 


234  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

And  make  thy  marble  of  the  g-lassy  wave. 
In  such  a  palace  Aristaeus  found 
Cyrene,  when  he  bore  the  plaintive  tale 
Of  his  lost  bees  to  her  maternal  ear," 

Milton  also  appears  to  have  had  Cyrene  and  her  domestic 
scene  in  his  mind  when  he  describes  to  us  Sabrina,  the  nym])h 
of  the  river  Severn,  in  the  Guardian-spirit's  Song  in  Comus:  — 

"  Sabrina  fair! 
Listen  where  thou  art  sitting 
Under  the  glassy,  cool,  translucent  wave 

In  twisted  braids  of  lilies  knitting 
The  loose  train  of  thy  amber-dropping  hair; 
Listen  for  dear  honor's  sake, 
Goddess  of  the  silver  lake  ! 
Listen  and  save." 

The  following  are  other  celebrated  mythical  poets  and  musi- 
cians, some  of  whom  were  hardly  inferior  to  Orpheus  himself:  — 


Amphiox. 

Amphion  was  the  son  of  Jupiter  and  Antiope,  queen  of 
Thebes.  With  his  twin  brother  Zethus  he  Avas  exposed  at 
birth  on  Mount  Cithaeron,  where  they  grew  up  among  the 
shepherds,  not  knowing  their  parentage.  Mercury  gave  Am- 
phion a  lyre,  and  taught  him  to  play  upon  it,  and  his  brother 
occupied  himself  in  hunting  and  tending  the  flocks.  Mean- 
while Antiope,  their  mother,  who  had  been  treated  with  great 
cruelty  by  Lycus,  the  usurping  king  of  Thebes,  and  by  Dirce, 
his  wife,  found  means  to  inform  her  children  of  their  .rights, 
and  to  summon  them  to  her  assistance.  With  a  band  of  their 
fellow-herdsmen  they  attacked  and  slew  Lycus,  and  tying 
Dirce  by  the  hair  of  her  head  to  a  bull,  let  him  drag  her  till 
she  Avas  dead.^  Amphion,  having  become  king  of  Thebes  forti- 
fied the  city  Avith  a  Avail.  It  is  said  that  Avhen  he  played  on 
his  lyre  the  stones  moved  of  their  OAvn  accord  and  took  their 
places  in  the  Avail. 

1  The  punishment  of  Dirce  is  the  subject  of  a  celebrated  group  of  statuary  now 
in  the  Musaeum  at  Naples,  of  which  our  illustration  is  a  copy. 


AMPHIOX. 


235 


In  Tennyson's  poem  of  Amphion  is  an  amusing  use  of  this 
story  :  — 

"  Oh,  had  I  lived  wlien  song  was  great, 
In  days  of  old  Amphion, 
And  ta'en  my  fiddle  to  the  gate 
Nor  feared  for  reed  or  scion! 


THE  FAKNESE  BLLL. 

And  had  I  lived  when  song  was  great, 
And  legs  of  trees  were  limber, 

And  ta'en  my  fiddle  to  the  gate, 
And  fiddled  to  the  timber ! 


236  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

'    "  'Tis  said  he  had  a  tuneful  tongue, 

Such  happy  intonation, 
Wherever  he  sat  down  and  sung 

He  left  a  small  plantation  ; 
Whenever  in  a  lonely  grove 

He  set  up  his  forlorn  pipes, 
The  gouty  oak  began  to  move 

And  flounder  into  hornpipes." 


Linus. 

Linus  was  the  instructor  of  Hercules  in  music,  but  liaving; 
one  day  reproved  his  pupil  rather  harshly,  he  roused  the  anger 
of  Hercules,  who  struck  him  with  his  lyre  and  killed  him. 


ThA]\[YRIS. 

An  ancient  Thracian  bard,  who  in  his  presumption  chal- 
lenged the  Muses  to  a  trial  of  skill,  and  being  overcome  in  the 
contest  was  deprived  by  them  of  his  sight.  Milton  alludes  to 
him  Avith  other  blind  bards,  when  speaking  of  his  own  blind- 
ness (Paradise  Lost,  Book  IH.  .35). 


Marsyas. 

Minerva  invented  the  flute,  and  played  upon  it  to  the  delight 
of  all  the  celestial  auditors ;  but  the  mischievous  urchin  Cupid 
having  dared  to  laugh  at  the  queer  face  which  the  goddess 
made  while  playing,  Minerva  threw  the  instrument  indignantly 
away,  and  it  fell  down  to  earth,  and  was  found  by  Marsyas. 
He  blew  upon  it,  and  drew  from  it  such  ravishing  sounds  that 
he  was  tempted  to  challenge  Apollo  himself  to  a  musical  con- 
test. The  god  of  course  triumphed,  and  punished  Marsyas  by 
flaying  him  alive. 

Melampus. 

Melampus  was  the  first  mortal  endowed  with  prophetic 
poAvers.  Before  his  house  there  stood  an  oak-tree  containing 
a  serpent's  nest.    The  old  serpents  were  killed  by  the  servants, 


MYTHICAL    POETS    AND    MUSICIANS.  237 

but  Melampiis  took  care  of  the  young  ones  and  fed  tliem  care- 
fully. One  day  when  he  was  asleep  under  the  oak,  the 
serpents  licked  his  ears  with  their  tongues.  On  awaking  he 
was  astonished  to  find  that  he  now  understood  the  language 
of  birds  and  creeping  things.  This  knowledge  enabled  him  to 
foretell  future  events,  and  he  became  a  renowned  soothsayer. 
At  one  time  his  enemies  took  him  captive  and  kept  him  strictly 
imprisoned.  Melampus  in  the  silence  of  night  heard  the  wood- 
worms in  the  timbers  talking  together,  and  found  out  by  what 
they  said  that  the  timbers  were  nearly  eaten  through,  and  the 
roof  would  soon  fall  in.  He  told  his  captors  and  demanded  to 
be  let  out,  warning  them  also.  They  took  his  warning,  and 
thus  escaped  destruction,  and  rewarded  Melampus  and  held 
him  in  high  honor. 

Mus.Eus. 

A  semi-mythological  personage  who  was  represented  by  one 
tradition  to  be  the  son  of  Orpheus.  He  is  said  to  have  written 
sacred  j^oems  and  oracles.  Milton  coujiles  his  name  with  that 
of  Orpheus  in  his  II  Penseroso  :  — 

"But,  oh,  sad  virgin,  that  thy  power 
Might  raise  ilusceus  from  his  bower, 
Or  bid  the  soul  of  Orpheus  sing 
Such  notes  as  warbled  to  the  string. 
Drew  iron  tears  down  Pluto's  cheek, 
And  made  Hell  grant  what  love  did  seek." 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 

ARION.  —  IBYCUS.  —  SIMONIDES.  —SAPPHO. 

THE  poets  whose  adventures  compose  this  chapter  were  real 
persons,  some  of  whose  works  yet  remain,  and  their  in- 
fluence on  poets  who  succeeded  them  is  yet  more  important 
than  their  poetical  remains.  The  adventures  recorded  of  them 
in  the  following  stories  rest  on  the  same  authority  as  other 
narratives  of  the  Age  of  Fable,  that  is,  that  of  the  poets  who 
have  told  them.  In  their  present  form,  the  first  two  are  trans- 
lated from  the  German,  the  story  of  Arion  from  Schlegel,  and 
that  of  Ibycus  from  Schiller. 


Arion-. 


Arion  was  a  famous  musician,  and  dwelt  at  the  court  of 
Periander,  king  of  Corinth,  with  whom  he  was  a  great  favorite. 
There  was  to  be  a  musical  contest  in  Sicily,  and  Arion  longed 
to  compete  for  the  prize.  He  told  his  wish  to  Periander,  Avho 
besought  him  like  a  brother  to  give  up  the  thought.  "  Pray 
stay  with  me,"  he  said,  "  and  be  contented.  He  who  strives  to 
Avin  may  lose."  Arion  answered,  "A  wandering  life  best  suits 
the  free  heart  of  a  poet.  The  talent  Avhich  a  god  bestowed  on 
me,  I  would  fain  make  a  source  of  pleasure  to  others.  And 
if  I  win  the  prize,  how  will  the  enjoyment  of  it  be  increased 

(238) 


ARION.  239 

by  the  consciousness  of  my  Avicle-spread  fame !  "  He  went, 
won  the  prize,  and  embarked  with  his  wealth  iu  a  Corinthian 
ship  for  home.  On  the  second  morning  after  setting  sail,  the 
wind  breatlied  mikl  and  fair.  "  Oli,  Periander,"  lie  exclaimed, 
"dismiss  your  fears!  Soon  shall  you  forget  them  in  my 
embrace.  With  what  lavish  offerings  Avill  we  display  our 
gratitude  to  the  gods,  and  how  merry  Avill  we  be  at  the  festal 
board !  "  The  Avind  and  sea  continued  proj)itious.  Not  a 
cloud  dimmed  the  firmament.  He  had  not  trusted  too  much 
to  the  ocean,  —  but  he  had  to  man.  He  overheard  the  seamen 
exchanging  hints  with  one  another,  and  found  they  were 
plotting  to  possess  themselves  of  his  treasure.  Presently  they 
surrounded  him  loud  and  mutinous,  and  said,  "Arion,  you 
must  die  !  If  you  would  have  a  grave  on  shore,  yield  yourself 
to  die  on  this  spot ;  but  if  otherwise,  cast  yourself  into  the 
sea."  "Will  nothing  satisfy  you  but  my  life?"  said  he.  "Take 
my  gold,  and  welcome.  I  willingly  buy  my  life  at  that  price." 
"No,  no;  we  cannot  spare  you.  Your  life  will  be  too  dan- 
gerous to  us.  Where  could  we  go  to  escape  from  Periander, 
if  he  should  know  that  you  had  been  robbed  by  us  ?  Your 
gold  would  be  of  little  use  to  us,  if,  on  returning  home,  we 
could  never  more  be  free  from  fear."  "  Grant  me,  then,"  said 
he,  "a  last  request,  since  nought  will  avail  to  save  my  life,  that 
I  may  die  as  I  have  lived,  as  becomes  a  bard.  When  I  shall 
have  sung  my  death-song,  and  my  harp-strings  shall  cease  to 
vibrate,  then  I  will  bid  farewell  to  life,  and  yield  uncomplaining 
to  my  fate."  This  prayer,  like  the  others,  would  have  been 
unheeded, — they  thought  only  of  their  booty, — but  to  hear  so 
famous  a  musician,  that  moved  their  rude  hearts.  "  Suffer  me," 
he  added,  "  to  arrange  my  dress.  Apollo  will  not  favor  me 
unless  I  be  clad  in  my  minstrel  garb." 

He  clothed  his  Avell-proportioned  limbs  in  gold  and  purple 
fair  to  see,  his  tunic  fell  around  him  in  graceful  folds,  jewels 
adorned  his  arms,  his  brow  was  crowned  with  a  golden  wreath, 
and  over  his  neck  and  shoulders  flowed  his  hair  perfumed  w^ith 
odors.  His  left  hand  held  the  lyre,  his  right  the  ivory  wand 
with  Avhich  he  struck  its  chords.  Like  one  inspired,  he  seemed 
to  drink  the  morning  air  and  glitter  in  the  morning  ray.     The 


240  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND   HEROES. 

seamen  gazed  Avith  admiration.  lie  strode  forward  to  the 
vessel's  side  and  looked  down  into  the  blue  sea.  Addressing 
his  lyre,  he  sang,  "  Companion  of  my  voice,  come  with  me  to 
the  realm  of  shades.  Though  Cerberus  may  growl,  we  know 
the  power  of  song  can  tame  his  rage.  Ye  heroes  of  Elysium, 
who  have  passed  the  darkling  flood,  —  ye  hapj^y  souls,  soon 
shall  I  join  your  band.  Yet  can  ye  relieve  my  grief?  Alas,  I 
leave  my  friend  behind  me.  Thou,  Avho  didst  find  tliy  Eury- 
dice,  and  lose  her  again  as  soon  as  found ;  when  she  had 
vanished  like  a  dream,  how  didst  thou* hate  the  cheerful  light! 
I  must  4way,  but  I  will  not  fear.  The  gods  look  down  upon 
us.  Ye  who  slay  me  unoffending,  when  I  am  no  more,  your 
time  of  trembling  shall  come.  Ye  Nereids,  receive  your  guest, 
who  throws  himself  upon  your  mercy  ! "  So  saying,  he  sprang 
into  the  deep  sea.  The  waves  covered  him,  and  the  seamen 
held  on  their  way,  fancying  themselves  safe  from  all  danger  of 
detection. 

But  the  strains  of  his  music  had  drawn  round  him  the 
inhabitants  of  the  dee])  to  listen,  and  dolphins  followed  the 
ship  as  if  chained  by  a  spell.  While  he  struggled  in  the 
waves,  a  dolphin  offered  him  his  back,  and  carried  him  mounted 
thereon  safe  to  shore.  At  the  spot  where  he  landed,  a  monu- 
ment of  brass  was  afterwards  erected  upon  the  rocky  shore,  to 
preserve  the  memory  of  the  event. 

When  Arion  and  the  dolphin  j^arted,  each  to  his  OAvn  ele- 
ment, Arion  thus  poured  forth  his  thanks.  "  Farewell,  thou 
faithful,  friendly  fish  !  Would  that  I  could  reward  thee ;  but 
thou  canst  not  wend  with  me,  nor  I  with  thee.  Companionship 
we  may  not  have.  May  Galatea,  queen  of  the  deep,  accord 
thee  her  favor,  and  thou,  proud  of  the  burden,  draw  her  chariot 
over  the  smooth  mirror  of  the  deep." 

Arion  hastened  from  the  shore,  and  soon  saw  before  him  the 
towers  of  Corinth.  He  journeyed  on,  harp  in  hand,  singing  as 
he  Avent,  full  of  love  and  happiness,  forgetting  his  losses,  and 
mindful  only  of  what  remained,  his  friend  and  his  lyre.  He 
entered  the  hospitable  halls,  and  Avas  soon  clasped  in  the  em- 
brace of  Periander.  "I  come  back  to  thee,  my  friend,"  he 
said.     "  The  talent  Avhicjh  a  god  bestOAved  has  been  the  delisrht 


ARIOX.  241 

of  tliousands,  but  false  knaves  have  strii^ped  me  of  my  well- 
earned  treasui-e ;  yet  I  retain  the  consciousness  of  wide-spread 
fame."  Then  he  told  Periander  all  the  wonderful  events  that 
had  befallen  him,  who  heard  him  with  amazement.  "  Shall  such 
Avickedness  triumph  ?  "  said  he.  "  Then  in  vain  is  power  lodged 
in  my  hands.  That  Ave  may  discover  the  criminals,  you  must 
remain  here  in  concealment,  and  so  they  will  approach  without 
suspicion."  When  the  ship  arrived  in  the  harbor,  he  summoned 
the  mariners  before  him.  "Have  you  heard  anything  of 
Arion?"  he  inquired.  "I  anxiously  look  for  his  return." 
They  replied,  "We  left  him  well  and  j^rosperous  in  Tarentum." 
As  they  said  these  words,  Arion  stepped  forth  and  faced  them. 
His  well-proportioned  limbs  were  arrayed  in  gold  and  purple 
fair  to  see,  his  tunic  fell  around  him  in  graceful  folds,  jewels 
adorned  his  arms,  his  broAv  was  croAvned  Avith  a  golden  wreath, 
and  over  his  neck  and  shoulders  floAved  his  hair  perfumed  with 
odors ;  his  left  hand  held  the  lyre,  his  right  the  ivory  wand 
with  Avhich  he  struck  its  chords.  They  fell  prostrate  at  his 
feet,  as  if  a  lightning  bolt  had  struck  them.  "  We  meant  to 
murder  him,  and  he  has  become  a  god.  O  Earth,  open  and 
receiA'e  us ! "  Then  Periander  spoke.  "  He  lives,  the  master 
of  the  lay !  Kind  Heaven  protects  the  poet's  life.  As  for  you, 
I  invoke  not  the  spirit  of  vengeance ;  Arion  Avishes  not  your 
blood.  Ye  slaA^es  of  avarice,  begone !  Seek  some  barbarous 
land,  and  never  may  aught  beautiful  delight  your  souls ! " 

Spencer  represents  Arion,  mounted  on  his  dolphin,  accom- 
panying the  train  of  Neptune  and  Amphitrite :  — 

"  Then  was  there  heard  a  most  celestial  sound 

Of  dainty  music  which  did  next  ensue, 

And,  on  the  floating  waters  as  enthroned, 

Arion  with  his  harp  unto  him  drew 

The  ears  and  hearts  of  all  that  goodly  crew ; 

Even  when  as  yet  the  dolphin  which  him  bore 

Through  the  iEgean  Seas  from  pirates'  view. 

Stood  still,  by  him  astonished  at  his  lore. 
And  all  the  raging  seas  for  joy  forgot  to  roar." 

Byron,  in  his  Childe  Harold,  Canto  II.,  alludes  to  the  story 
of  Arion,  when,  describing  his  voyage,  he  represents  one  of  the 
seamen  making  music  to  entertain  the  rest :  — 


242  STOEIES    OF    GODS    AND   HEROES. 

"  The  moon  is  up ;  by  Heaven,  a  level}'  eve ! 

Lonof  streams  of  light  o'er  dancing  waves  expand ; 

Now  lads  on  shore  may  sigh  and  maids  believe ; 

Such  be  our  fate  when  we  return  to  land ! 

Meantime  some  rude  Arion's  restless  hand 

Wakes  the  brisk  harmony  that  sailors  love ; 

A  circle  there  of  merry  listeners  stand, 

Or  to  some  well-known  measure  featly  move 
Thoughtless  as  if  on  shore  they  still  were  free  to  rove. 


Ibycus. 

In  order  to  understand  the  story  of  Ibycus  whicli  follows,  it  is 
necessary  to  remember,  first,  that  the  theatres  of  the  ancients 
were  immense  buildings  providing  seats  for  from  ten  to  thirty 
thousand  spectators,  and  as  they  were  used  only  on  festal 
occasions,  and  admission  Avas  free  to  all,  they  were  usually 
filled.  They  were  without  roofs  and  open  to  the  sky,  and  the 
performances  were  in  the  daytime.  Secondly,  the  appalling 
representation  of  the  Furies  is  not  exaggerated  in  the  story. 
It  is  recorded  that  ^schylus,  the  tragic  poet,  having  on  one 
occasion  represented  the  Furies  in  a  chorus  of  fifty  performers, 
the  terror  of  the  spectators  was  such  that  many  fainted  and 
were  thrown  into  convulsions,  and  the  magistrates  forbade  a 
like  representation  for  the  future. 

Ibycus,  the  pious  poet,  was  on  his  way  to  the  chariot  races 
and  musical  competitions  held  at  the  Isthmus  of  Corinth, 
which  attracted  all  of  Grecian  lineage.  Apollo  had  bestowed 
on  him  the  gift  of  song,  the  honeyed  lips  of  the  poet,  and  he 
pursued  his  way  with  lightsome  step,  full  of  the  god.  Already 
the  towers  of  Corinth  crowning  the  height  appeared  in  view, 
and  he  had  entered  with  pious  awe  the  sacred  grove  of  Nep- 
tune. No  living  object  was  in  sight,  only  a  flock  of  cranes  flew 
overhead,  taking  the  same  course  as  himself  in  their  migration  to 
a  southern  clime.  "  Good  luck  to  you,  ye  friendly  squadrons," 
he  exclaimed,  "my  companions  from  across  the  sea.  I  take 
your  company  for  a  good  omen.  We  come  from  far,  and  fly 
in  search  of  hospitality.  May  both  of  us  meet  that  kind  recep- 
tion which  shields  the  stranger  guest  from  harm  ! " 


IBYCUS.  243 

He  paced  briskly  on,  and  soon  ^vas  in  the  middle  of  the 
wood.  There  suddenly,  at  a  narrow  j^ass,  two  robbers  stepped 
forth  and  barred  his  way.  He  must  yield  or  fight.  But  his 
hand,  accustomed  to  the  lyre  and  not  to  the  strife  of  arms, 
sank  powerless.  He  called  for  help  on  men  and  gods,  but  his 
cry  reached  no  defender's  ear.  "  Then  here  must  I  die,"  said 
he,  "  in  a  strange  land,  unlamented,  cut  off  by  the  hand  of  out- 
laws, and  see  none  to  avenge  my  cause."  Sore  wounded  he 
sank  to  the  earth,  when  hoarse  screamed  the  cranes  overhead. 
"  Take  up  my  cause,  ye  cranes,"  he  said,  "  since  no  voice  but 
yours  answers  to  my  cry."  So  saying,  he  closed  his  eyes  in 
death. 

The  body,  despoiled  and  mangled,  was  found,  and  though 
disfigured  with  wounds,  was  recognized  by  the  friend  in 
Corinth  who  had  expected  him  as  a  guest.  "  Is  it  thus  I  find 
you  restored  to  me?"  he  exclaimed  ;  "I  who  hoped  to  entwine 
your  temples  with  the  wreath  of  triumph  in  the  strife  of  song ! " 

The  guests  assembled  at  the  festival  heard  the  tidings  M-ith 
dismay.  All  Greece  felt  the  wound,  every  heart  owned  its 
loss.  They  crowded  round  the  tribunal  of  the  magistrates, 
and  demanded  vengeance  on  the  murderers  and  expiation 
Avith  their  blood. 

But  what  trace  or  mark  shall  point  out  the  perpetrator  from 
amidst  the  vast  multitude  attracted  by  the  sj^lendor  of  the 
feast?  Did  he  fall  by  the  hands  of  robbers,  or  did  some  pri- 
vate enemy  slay  him  ?  The  all-discerning  sun  alone  can  tell, 
for  no  other  eye  beheld  it.  Yet  not  improbably  the  murderer 
even  now  walks  in  the  midst  of  the  throng,  and  enjoys  the 
fruits  of  his  crime,  while  vengeance  seeks  for  him  in  vain. 
Perhaps  in  their  own  temple's  enclosure  he  defies  the  gods, 
mingling  freely  in  this  throng  of  men  that  now  presses  into  the 
amphitheatre. 

For  now  crowded  together,  row  on  row,  the  multitude  fill 
the  seats  till  it  seems  as  if  the  very  fabric  would  give  way. 
The  murmur  of  voices  sounds  like  the  roar  of  the  sea,  while 
the  circles  widening  in  their  ascent  rise,  tier  on  tier,  as  if  they 
would  reach  the  sky. 

And  now  the  vast  assemblage  listens  to  the  awful  voice  of 


244  STORIES  or  gods  and  heroes. 

the  chorus  personating  the  Furies,  which  in  solemn  guise  ad- 
vances with  measured  step,  and  moves  around  the  circuit  of 
the  theatre.  Can  they  be  mortal  women  who  compose  that 
awful  group,  and  can  that  vast  concourse  of  silent  forms  be 
living  beings ! 

The  choristers,  clad  in  black,  bore  in  their  fleshless  hands 
torches  blazing  with  a  pitchy  flame.  Their  cheeks  were  blood- 
less, and  in  place  of  hair,  writhing  and  swelling  serpents  curled 
around  their  brows.  Forming  a  circle,  these  awful  beings 
sang  their  hymn,  rending  the  hearts  of  the  guilty,  and  enchain- 
ing all  their  faculties.  It  rose  and  swelled,  overpowering  the 
sound  of  the  instruments,  stealing  the  judgment,  palsying  the 
heart,  curdling  the  blood. 

"  Happy  the  man  who  keeps  his  heart  pure  from  guilt  and 
crime !  Him  we  avengers  touch  not ;  he  treads  the  path  of 
life  secure  from  us.  But  woe !  woe !  to  him  wlio  has  done  the 
deed  of  secret  murder.  We,  the  fearful  family  of  Night,  fasten 
ourselves  upon  his  whole  being.  Thinks  he  by  flight  to  escape 
us?  We  fly  still  faster  in  pursuit,  twine  our  snakes  around 
his  feet  and  bring  him  to  the  ground.  Unwearied  we  pursue; 
no  pity  checks  our  course ;  still  on  and  on  to  the  end  of  life, 
we  give  him  no  peace  nor  rest."  Thus  the  Eumenides  sang, 
and  moved  in  solemn  cadence,  while  stillness  like  the  stillness 
of  death  sat  over  the  whole  assembly  as  if  in  the  presence  of 
superhuman  beings ;  and  then  in  solemn  march  completing  the 
circuit  of  the  theatre,  they  passed  out  at  the  back  of  the  stage. 

Every  heart  fluttered  between  illusion  and  reality,  and  every 
breast  panted  with  undefined  terror,  quailing  before  the  awful 
power  that  watches  secret  crimes  and  winds  unseen  the  skein 
of  destiny.  At  that  moment  a  cry  burst  forth  from  one  of  the 
uppermost  benches  —  "  Look !  look !  comrade,  yonder  are  the 
cranes  of  Ibycus!"  And  suddenly  there  appeared  sailing 
across  the  sky  a  dark  object  which  a  moment's  inspection 
showed  to  be  a  flock  of  cranes  flying  directly  over  the  theatre. 
"  Of  Ibycus !  did  he  say  ? "  The  beloved  name  revived  the 
sorrow  in  every  breast.  As  wave  follows  wave  over  the  face 
of  the  sea,  so  ran  from  mouth  to  mouth  the  words,  "  Of  Iby- 
cus !  him  whom  we  all  lament,  with  some  murderer's  hand  laid 


SIMOXIDES.  245 

low !  "What  have  the  cranes  to  do  with  him  ?  "  And  louder 
grew  the  swell  of  voices,  while  like  a  lightning's  flash  the 
thought  sped  through  every  heart,  "  Observe  the  power  of  the 
Eumenides  !  The  pious  poet  shall  be  avenged  !  the  murderer 
has  informed  against  himself.  Seize  the  man  who  uttered  that 
cry  and  the  other  to  whom  he  spoke ! " 

The  culprit  would  gladly  have  recalled  his  words,  but  it  was 
too  late.  The  faces  of  the  murderers  pale  with  terror  betrayed 
their  guilt.  The  people  took  them  before  the  judge,  they 
confessed  their  crime  and  suffered  the  punishment  they  de- 
served. 

SiMONIDES. 

Simonides  was  one  of  the  most  prolific  of  the  early  poets  of 
Greece,  but  only  a  few  fragments  of  his  compositions  have 
descended  to  us.  He  wrote  hymns,  triumphal  odes,  and  ele- 
gies. In  the  last  species  of  composition  he  particularly  excelled. 
His  genius  was  inclined  to  the  pathetic,  and  none  could  touch 
with  truer  effect  the  chords  of  human  sympathy.  The  Lamen- 
tation of  Danae,  the  most  important  of  the  fragments  which 
remain  of  his  poetry  is  based  upon  the  tradition^  that  Danae 
and  her  infant  son  were  confined  by  order  of  her  father  Acrisius 
in  a  chest  and  set  adrift  on  the  sea.  The  chest  floated  towards 
the  island  of  Seriphus,  where  both  were  rescued  by  Dictys,  a 
fisherman,  and  carried  to  Polydectes,  king  of  the  country,  who 
received  and  protected  them.  The  child  Perseus  when  grown 
up  became  a  famous  hero,  whose  adventures  have  been  recorded 
in  a  previous  chapter. 

Simonides  passed  much  of  his  life  at  the  courts  of  princes, 
and  often  employed  his  talents  in  panegyric  and  festal  odes, 
receiving  his  reward  from  the  munificence  of  those  whose 
exploits  he  celebrated.  This  employment  was  not  derogatory, 
but  closely  resembles  that  of  the  earliest  bards,  such  as  Demo- 
docus,  described  by  Homer,  or  of  Homer  himself  as  recorded 
by  tradition. 

On  one  occasion  when  residing  at  the  court  of  Scopas,  king 

1  See  page  140. 


246  STORIES    OF   GODS   AND   HEROES. 

of  Thessaly,  the  prince  desired  him  to  prepare  a  poem  in  cele- 
bration of  his  exploits,  to  be  recited  at  a  banquet.  In  order  to 
diversify  his  theme,  Simonides,  who  was  celebrated  for  his 
piety,  introduced  into  his  poem  the  exploits  of  Castor  and 
Pollux.  Such  digressions  were  not  unusual  with  the  poets  on 
similar  occasions,  and  one  might  siif)pose  an  oi'dinary  mortal 
might  have  been  content  to  share  the  praises  of  the  sons 
of  Leda.  But  vanity  is  exacting;  and  as  Scopas  sat  at  his 
festal  board  among  his  courtiers  and  sycophants,  he  grudged 
every  verse  that  did  not  rehearse  his  own  praises.  When 
Simonides  approached  to  receive  the  promised  reward  Scopas 
bestowed  but  half  the  expected  sum,  saying,  "  Here  is  payment 
for  'my  portion  of  the  performance.  Castor  and  Pollux  will 
doubtless  compensate  thee  for  so  much  as  relates  to  them." 
The  disconcerted  poet  returned  to  his  seat  amidst  the  laughter 
which  followed  the  great  man's  jest.  In  a  little  time  he 
received  a  message  that  two  young  men  on  horseback  were 
waiting  without  and  anxious  to  see  him.  Simonides  hastened 
to  the  door,  but  looked  in  vain  for  the  visitors.  Scarcely  how- 
ever had  he  left  the  banqueting-hall  when  the  roof  fell  in  with 
a  loud  crash,  burying  Scopas  and  all  his  guests  beneath  the 
ruins.  On  inquiring  as  to  the  appearance  of  the  young  men 
who  had  sent  for  him,  Simonides  was  satisfied  that  they  were 
no  other  than  Castor  and  Pollux  themselves. 


Sappho. 

Sappho  was  a  poetess  who  flourished  in  a  very  early  age  of 
Greek  literature.  Of  her  works  few  fragments  remain,  but 
they  are  enough  to  establish  her  claim  to  eminent  poetical 
genius.  The  story  of  Sappho  commonly  alluded  to  is  that  she 
was  passionately  in  love  with  a  beautiful  youth  named  Phaon, 
and  failing  to  obtain  a  return  of  affection  she  threw  herself 
from  the  promontory  of  Leucadia  into  the  sea,  under  a  super- 
stition that  those  Avho  should  take'  that  "  Lover's-leap,"  would, 
if  not  destroyed,  be  cured  of  their  love. 


SAPPHO.  247 

Byron  alludes  to  the  story  of  Sa]iplio  in  Childe  Harold, 
Canto  II. :  — 

"  Childe  Harold  sailed  and  passed  the  ban-en  spot 
Where  sad  Penelope  o'erlooked  the  wave, 
And  onward  viewed  the  mount,  not  yet  forgot. 
The  lover's  refuge  and  the  Lesbian's  grave. 
Dark  Sappho !  could  not  verse  immortal  save 
That  breast  imbued  with  such  immortal  fire  ? " 

Those  Avho  wish  to  know  more  of  Sappho  and  her  leap, 
are  referred  to  the  Spectator,  Nos.  22-3  and  229,  and  also  to 
Moore's  Evenincrs  in  Greece. 


CHAPTER    XIX. 


EJ^DYMIOJf. 


•OEION.- AURORA  AND  TITHONUS. 
AND  GALATEA. 


ACIS 


ENDY]MION  was  a  beautiful  youth  who  fed  his  flock  on 
Mount  Latmos.  One  cahu,  clear  night,  Diana,  the  Moon, 
looked  down  and  saw  him  sleeping.  The  cold  heai't  of  the 
virgin  goddess  was  warmed  by  his  surpassing  beauty,  and  she 
came  down  to  him,  kissed  him,  and  watched  over  him  while  he 
slept. 

Anotlier  story  Avas  that  Jupiter  bestowed  on  him  the  gift  of 
perpetual  youth  united  with  perpetual  sleep.  Of  one  so  gifted 
we  can  have  but  few  adventures  to  record.  Diana,  it  was  said, 
took  care  that  his  fortunes  should  not  suffer  by  his  inactive 
life,  for  she  made  his  flock  increase,  and  guarded  his  sheep  and 
lambs  from  the  wild  beasts. 

The  story  of  Endymion  has  a  peculiar  charm  from  the  human 
meaning  which  it  so  thinly  veils.     "We  see  in  Endymion  the 

(248) 


ORION.  249 

young  poet,  his  fancy  and  his  lieart  seekino-  in  vain  for  that 
which  can  satisfy  them,  finding  his  favoi'ite  hour  in  the  quiet 
moonlight,  and  nursing  there  beneath  the  beams  of  the  bright 
and  silent  witness  the  melancholy  and  the  ardor  which  con- 
sumes him.  The  story  suggests  asj^iring  and  poetic  love,  a  life 
spent  more  in  dreams  than  in  reality,  and  an  early  and  welcome 
death.  s.  g.  bulfinch. 

The  Endymion  of  Keats  is  a  Avild  and  fanciful  poem,  con- 
taining some  exquisite  poetry,  as  this,  to  the  moon  :  — 

"  The  sleeping  kine 
Couched  in  thy  brightness  dream  of  fields  divine. 
Innumerable  mountains  rise,  and  rise, 
Ambitious  for  the  hallowing  of  thine  eyes. 
And  yet  thy  benediction  passeth  not 
One  obscure  hiding-place,  one  little  spot 
Where  pleasure  may  be  sent;  the  nested  wren 
Has  thy  fair  face  within  its  tranquil  ken." 

Dr.  Young   in   the  Night  Thoughts  alludes  to  Endymion 

thus :  — 

"  These  thoughts,  O  Night,  are  thine ; 
From  thee  they  came  like  lovers'  secret  sighs, 
"While  others  slept.    So  Cynthia,  poets  feign. 
In  shadows  veiled,  soft,  sliding  from  her  sphere. 
Her  shepherd  cheered,  of  her  enamored  less 
Than  I  of  thee." 

Fletcher,  in  the  Faithful  Shepherdess,  tells, — 

"  How  the  pale  Phoebe,  hunting  in  a  grove. 
First  saw  the  boy  Endymion,  from  whose  eyes 
She  took  eternal  fire  that  never  dies ; 
How  she  convej'ed  him  softly  in  a  sleep. 
His  temples  bound  with  poppy,  to  the  steep 
Head  of  old  Latmos,  where  she  stoops  each  night, 
Gilding  the  mountain  with  her  brother's  light, 
To  kiss  her  sweetest." 


Orion. 

Orion  was  the  son  of  Neptune.     He  was  a  handsome  giant 
and  a  mighty  hunter.      His    father  gave   him  the  power  of 


250  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

wading  through  the  depths  of  the  sea,  or  as  others  say, 
of  walking  on  its  surface. 

Orion  loved  Merope,  the  daughter  of  (Enopion.  king  of  Chios, 
and  sought  her  in  marriage.  He  cleared  the  island  of  wild 
beasts,  and  brought  the  spoils  of  the  chase  as  presents  to  his 
beloved ;  but  as  CEnopion  constantly  deferred  his  consent, 
Orion  attempted  to  gain  possession  of  the  maiden  by  violence. 
Her  father,  incensed  at  this  conduct,  having  made  Orion  drunk, 
de])rived  him  of  his  sight,  and  cast  him  out  on  the  sea-shore. 
The  blinded  hero  followed  the  sound  of  the  Cyclops'  hammer 
till  he  reached  Lemnos,  and  came  to  the  forge  of  Vulcan,  who, 
taking  pity  on  him,  gave  him  Kedalion,  one  of  his  men,  to  be 
his  guide  to  the  abode  of  the  sun.  Placing  Kedalion  on  his 
shoulders,  Orion  proceeded  to  the  east,  and  there  meeting  the 
sun-god,  was  restored  to  sight  by  his  beam. 

After  this  he  dwelt  as  a  hunter  with  Diana,  with  whom  he 
was  a  favorite,  and  it  is  even  said  she  was  about  to  marry  him. 
Her  brother  was  highly  displeased  and  often  chid  her,  but  to 
no  purpose.  One  day,  observing  Orion  wading  through  the 
sea  with  his  head  just  above  the  water,  Apollo  pointed  it  out 
to  his  sister  and  maintained  that  she  could  not  hit  that  black 
thing  on  the  sea.  The  archer-goddess  dischargej;!  a  shaft  with 
fatal  aim.  The  waves  rolled  the  dead  body  of  Orion  to  the 
land,  and  bewailing  her  fatal  error  with  many  tears,  Diana 
placed  him  among  the  stars,  where  he  appears  as  a  giant,  with 
a  girdle,  sword,  lion's  skin,  and  club.  Sirius,  his  dog,  follows 
him,  and  the  Pleiads  fly  before  him. 

The  Pleiads  were  daughters  of  Atlas,  and  nymphs  of  Diana's 
train.  One  day  Orion  saw  them,  and  became  enamored,  and 
pursued  them.  In  their  distress  they  prayed  to  the  gods  to 
change,  their  form,  and  Jupiter  in  pity  turned  them  into 
pigeons,  and  then  made  them  a  constellation  in  the  sky. 
Though  their  number  was  seven,  only  six  stars  are  visible,  for 
Electra,  one  of  them,  it  is  said,  left  her  place  that  she  might 
not  behold  the  ruin  of  Troy,  for  that  city  was  founded  by  her 
son  Dardanus.  The  sight  had  such  an  effect  on  her  sisters  that 
they  have  looked  pale  ever  since. 


AURORA    AND    TITHONUS.  251 

Mr.  Longfellow  has  a  poem  on  the  "  Occultation  of  Orion." 
The  following  lines  are  those  in  which  he  alludes  to  the  mythic 
story.  We  must  premise  that  on  the  celestial  globe  Orion  is 
represented  as  robed  in  a  lion's  skin  and  wielding  a  club.  At 
the  moment  the  stars  of  the  constellation  one  by  one  were 
quenched  in  the  light  of  the  moon,  tlie  poet  tells  us,  — 

"  Down  fell  the  reil  skin  of  the  lion 
Into  the  river  at  his  feet. 
His  mighty  club  no  longer  beat 
The  forehead  of  the  bull ;  but  he 
Reeled  as  of  yore  beside  the  sea, 
When  blinded  by  CEnopion 

He  sought  the  blacksmith  at  his  forge, 

And  climbing  up  the  narrow  gorge, 
Fixed  his  blank  eyes  upon  the  sun." 

Tennyson  has  a  different  theory  of  the  Pleiads  :  — 

"  Many  a  night  I  saw  the  Pleiads,  rising  through  the  mellow  shade, 
Glitter  like  a  swarm  of  fire-flies  tangled  in  a  silver  braid." 

Locksley  Hall. 

Byron  alludes  to  the  lost  Pleiad  :  — 

"  Like  the  lost  Pleiad  seen  no  more  below." 

See  also  Mrs.  Hemans's  verses  on  the  same  subject. 


Aurora  and  Tithonus. 

Aurora,  the  goddess  of  the  Dawn,  like  her  sister  the  Moon, 
was  at  times  inspired  with  the  love  of  mortals.  Her  greatest 
favorite  was  Tithonus,  son  of  Laomedon,  king  of  Troy.  She 
stole  him  away,  and  prevailed  on  Jupiter  to  grant  him  immoi'- 
tality;  but  forgetting  to  have  youth  joined  in  the  gift,  after 
some  time  she  began  to  discern,  to  her  great  mortiiication,  that 
he  was  growing  old.  When  his  hair  was  quite  white  she  left 
his  society ;  but  he  still  had  the  range  of  her  palace,  lived  on 
ambrosial  food,  and  was  clad  in  celestial  raiment.  At  length 
lie  lost  the  power  of  using  his  limbs,  and  then  she  shut  him  up 
in  his  chamber,  whence  his  feeble  voice  might  at  times  be 
heard.     Finally  she  turned  him  into  a  grasshopper. 


252  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

Memnon  was  the  son  of  Aurora  and  Tithonus.  He  was  king 
of  the  Ethiopians,  and  dwelt  in  the  extreme  east,  on  the  shore 
of  Ocean,  He  came  with  his  warriors  to  assist  the  kindred  of 
his  father  in  the  war  of  Troy.  King  Priam  received  him  witli 
great  honors,  and  listened  Avitli  admiration  to  his  narrative  of 
the  wonders  of  the  ocean  shore. 

The  very  day  after  his  arrival,  Memnon,  impatient  of  repose, 
led  his  troops  to  the  field.  Antilochus,  the  brave  son  of  Nestor, 
fell  by  his  hand,  and  the  Greeks  were  put  to  flight,  when  Achil- 
les appeared  and  restored  the  battle.  A  long  and  doubtful 
contest  ensued  between  him  and  the  son  of  Aurora  ;  at  length 
victory  declared  for  Achilles,  Memnon  fell,  and  the  Trojans 
fled  in  dismay. 

Aurora,  who,  from  her  station  in  the  sky,  had  viewed  with 
apprehension  the  danger  of  her  son,  when  she  saw  him  fall 
directed  his  brothers,  the  Winds,  to  convey  his  body  to  the 
banks  of  the  river  Esepus  in  Paphlagonia.  In  the  evening 
Aurora  came,  accomjDanied  by  the  Hours  and  the  Pleiads,  and 
wept  and  lamented  over  her  son.  Night,  in  sympathy  witli 
her  grief,  spread  the  heaven  with  clouds ;  all  nature  mourned 
for  the  offspring  of  the  Dawn.  The  Ethiopians  raised  his 
tomb  on  the  banks  of  the  stream  in  the  grove  of  the  nj-mphs, 
and  Jupiter  caused  the  sparks  and  cinders  of  his  funeral-pile  to 
be  turned  into  birds,  which,  dividing  into  two  flocks,  fought 
over  the  pile  till  they  fell  into  the  flame.  Every  year,  at  the 
anniversary  of  his  death,  they  return  and  celebrate  his  obse- 
quies in  like  manner.  Aurora  remains  inconsolable  for  the  loss 
of  her  son.  Her  tears  still  floAv,  and  may  be  seen  at  early 
morning  in  the  form  of  dew-drops  on  the  grass. 

Unlike  most  of  the  marvels  of  ancient  mythology,  there  still 
exist  some  memorials  of  this.  On  the  banks  of  the  river  Nile, 
in  Egypt,  are  two  colossal  statues,  one  of  which  is  said  to  be 
the  statue  of  Memnon.  Ancient  writers  record  that  when  the 
first  rays  of  the  rising  sun  fall  upon  this  statue,  a  sound  is 
heard  to  issue  from  it  which  they  compare  to  the  snapping  of 
a  harp-string.  There  is  some  doubt  about  tlae  identification  of 
the  existing  statue  with  the  one  described  by  the  ancients,  and 


ACIS    AND    GALATEA.  253- 

the  mysterious  sounds  are  still  more  doubtful.  Yet  there  are 
not  wanting  some  modern  testimonies  to  their  being  still  audi- 
ble. It  has  been  suggested  that  sounds  produced  by  confined 
air  making  its  escape  from  crevices  or  caverns  in  the  rocks 
may  have  given  some  ground  for  the  story.  Sir  Gardner  Wil- 
kinson, a  late  traveller,  of  the  highest  authority,  examined  the 
statue  itself,  and  discovered  that  it  was  hollow,  and  that  "  in 
the  lap  of  the  statue  is  a  stone,  which,  on  being  struck,  emits  a 
metallic  sound,  that  might  still  be  made  use  of  to  deceive  a 
visitor  who  was  ^predisposed  to  believe  its  powers." 

The  vocal  statue  of  Memnon  is  a  favorite  subject  of  allusion 
with  the  poets.     Darwin,  in  his  Botanic  Gaixlen,  says,  — 

"  So  to  the  sacred  Sun  in  Memnon's  fane 
Spontaneous  concords  choired  the  matin  strain; 
Touched  by  his  orient  beam  responsive  rings 
The  living  lyre  and  vibrates  all  its  strings ; 
Accordant  aisles  the  tender  tones  prolong, 
And  holy  echoes  swell  the  adoring  song." 


Acis  AND  Galatea. 

Scylla^  was  a  fair  virgin  of  Sicily,  a  favorite  of  the  Sea- 
Nymphs.  She  had  many  suitors,  but  repelled  them  all,  and 
would  go  to  the  grotto  of  Galatea,  and  tell  her  how  she  was 
persecuted.  One  day  the  goddess,  while  Scylla  dressed  her 
hair,  listened  to  the  story,  and  then  replied,  "  Yet,  maiden, 
your  persecutors  are  of  the  not  ungentle  race  of  men,  whom  if 
you  will  you  can  repel ;  but  I,  the  daughter  of  Nereus,  and 
protected  by  such  a  band  of  sisters,  found  no  escape  from  the 
passion  of  the  Cyclops  but  in  the  depths  of  the  sea;"  and  tears 
stopped  her  utterance,  which  when  the  pitying  maiden  had 
wiped  away  with  her  delicate  finger,  and  soothed  the  goddess, 
"Tell  me,  dearest,"  said  she,  "the  cause  of  your  grief." 
Galatea  then  said,  "Acis  was  the  son  of  Faunus  and  a  Naiad. 
His  father  and  mother  loved  him  dearly,  but  their  love  was 
not  equal  to  mine.     For  the  beautiful  youth  attached  himself 

»  See  page  73. 


254  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

to  me  alone,  and  lie  was  just  sixteen  years  old,  the  down  just 
beginning  to  darken  his  cheeks.  As  much  as  I  sought  his  so- 
ciety, so  much  did  the  Cyclops  seek  mine  ;  and  if  you  ask  me 
whether  my  love  for  Acis  or  my  hatred  for  Polyphemus  was  the 
stronger,  I  cannot  tell  you  ;  they  Avere  in  equal  measure.  Oh, 
Venus,  how  great  is  thy  power !  this  fierce  giant,  the  terror  of 
the  woods,  whom  no  hapless  stranger  escaped  unharmed,  who 
defied  even  Jove  himself,  learned  to  feel  what  love  was,  and, 
touched  with  a  passion  for  me,  forgot  his  flocks  and  his  well- 
stored  caverns.  Then,  for  the  first  time,  he  began  to  take 
some  care  of  his  appearance,  and  to  try  to  make  himself  agree- 
able ;  he  harrowed  those  coarse  locks  of  his  with  a  comb,  and 
mowed  his  beard  with  a  sickle,  looked  at  his  harsh  features  in 
the  water,  and  composed  his  countenance.  His  love  of  slaugh- 
ter, his  fierceness  and  thirst  of  blood  prevailed  no  more,  and 
ships  that  touched  at  his  island  went  away  in  safety.  He 
paced  up  and  down  the  sea-shore,  imprinting  huge  tracks  with 
his  heavy  tread,  and,  Avhen  weary,  lay  tranquilly  in  his  cave. 

"There  is  a  cliff  which  projects  into  the  sea,  which  washes 
it  on  either  side.  Thither  one  day  the  huge  Cyclops  ascended, 
and  sat  down  while  his  flocks  spread  themselves  around.  Lay- 
ing down  his  staff  which  would  have  served  for  a  mast  to  hold 
a  vessel's  sail,  and  taking  his  instrument,  compacted  of  numer- 
ous pipes,  he  made  the  hills  and  the  waters  echo  the  music  of 
his  song.  I  lay  hid  under  a  rock,  by  the  side  of  my  beloved 
Acis,  and  listened  to  the  distant  strain.  It  was  full  of  extrav- 
agant praises  of  my  beauty,  mingled  with  passionate  reproaches 
of  my  coldness  and  cruelty. 

"When  he  had  finished  he  rose  up,  and  like  a  raging  bull, 
that  cannot  stand  still,  wandered  off  into  the  woods.  Acis  and 
I  thought  no  more  of  him,  till  on  a  sudden  he  came  to  a  spot 
which  gave  him  a  vicAv  of  us  as  we  sat.  'I  see  you,'  he  ex- 
claimed, '  and  I  will  make  this  the  last  of  your  love-meetings.' 
His  voice  was  a  roar  such  as  an  angry  Cyclops  alone  could 
utter,  ^tna  trembled  at  the  sound.  I,  overcome  with  terror, 
plunged  into  the  water.  Acis  turned  and  fled,  crying,  '  Save 
me,  Galatea,  save  me,  my  parents ! '  The  Cyclops  pursued 
him,  and  tearing  a  rock  from  the  side  of  the  mountain  hurled 


ACIS    AND    GALATEA.  255 

it  at  liini.  Tlioiigli  only  a  corner  of  it  touched  him  it  over- 
Avhehiied  liim. 

"  All  that  fate  left  in  my  power  I  did  for  Acis.  I  endowed 
him  with  the  honors  of  his  grandfather  the  river-god.  The 
purple  blood  flowed  out  from  under  the  rock,  but  by  degrees 
grew  paler  and  looked  like  the  stream  of  a  river  rendered  tur- 
bid by  rains,  and  in  time  it  became  clear.  The  rock  cleaved 
open,  and  the  water,  as  it  gushed  from  the  chasm,  uttered  a 
pleasing  murmur." 

Thus  Acis  Avas  changed  into  a  river,  and  the  river  retains 
the  name  of  Acis. 


CHAPTER   XX. 


THE     TKOJAX     WAR. 


MINERVA  was  the  goddess  of  wisdom,  but  on  one  occasion 
she  did  a  very  foolish  thing ;  she  entered  into  competition 
with  Juno  and  Venus  for  the  prize  of  beauty.  It  happened 
thus.  At  the  nuptials  of  Peleus  and  Thetis  all  the  gods  were  in- 
vited with  the  exception  of  Eris,  or  Discord.  Enraged  at  her 
exclusion,  the  goddess  threw  a  golden  apple  among  the  guests 
with  the  inscription,  "For  the  most  beautiful."  Thereupon 
Juno,  Venus,  and  Minerva,  each  claimed  the  apple.  Jupiter 
not  willing  to  decide  in  so  delicate  a  matter,  sent  the  god- 
desses to  Mount  Ida,  where  the  beautiful  shepherd  Paris  was 
tending  his  flocks,  and  to  him  was  committed  the  decision. 
The  goddesses  accordingly  appeared  before  him.  Juno  prom- 
ised him  power  and  riches,  Minerva  glory  and  renown  in  war, 
and  Venus  the  fairest  of  women  for  his  wife,  each  attempting 

(256) 


THE    TKOJAN    WAR.  '  257 

to  bias  his  decision  in  her  own  favor.  Paris  decided  in  favor 
of  Venus  and  gave  her  the  golden  apple,  thus  making  the  two 
other  goddesses  liis  enemies.  Under  the  protection  of  Venus, 
Paris  sailed  to  Greece,  and  was  hospitably  received  by  Mene- 
iaus,  king  of  Sparta.  Now  Helen,  the  wife  of  Menelaus,  was 
the  very  woman  whom  Venus  had  destmed  for  Paris,  the  fah'^ 
est  of  her  sex.  She  had  been  sought  as  a  bride  by  numerous 
suitors,  and  before  her  decision  was  made  known,  they  all,  at 
the  suggestion  of  Ulysses,  one  of  their  number,  took  an  oath 
that  they  would  defend  her  from  all  injury  and  avenge  her 
cause  if  necessary.  She  chose  Menelaus,  and  was  living  with 
him"  happily  when  Paris  became  their  guest.  Paris,  aided  by 
Venus,  persuaded  her  to  elope  with  him,  and  carried  her  to 
Troy,  whence  arose  the  famous  Trojan  war,  the  theme  of  the 
greatest  poems  of  antiquity,  those  of  Homer  and  Vii'gil. 

Menelaus  called  upon  his  bi-other  chieftains  of  Greece  to 
fulfil  their  pledge,  and  join  him  in  his  efforts  to  recover  his 
Avife.  They  generally  came  forward,  but  Ulysses,  who  had 
married  Penelope  and  was  very  hajDpy  in  his  wife  and  child, 
had  no  disposition  to  embark  in  such  a  troublesome  affair.  He 
tlierefore  hung  back  and  Palamedes  was  sent  to  urge  him. 
When  Palamedes  arrived  at  Ithaca,  Ulysses  pretended  to  be 
mad.  He  yoked  an  ass  and  an  ox  together  to  the  plough  and 
began  to  sow  salt.  Palamedes,  to  try  him,  placed  the  infant 
Telemachus  before  the  plough,  whereupon  the  father  turned 
the  plougli  aside,  showing  plainly  tliat  he  was  no  madman,  and 
after  that  could  no  longer  refuse  to  fulfil  his  promise.  Being 
now  himself  gained  for  the  undertaking,  he  lent  his  aid  to  bring 
in  other  reluctant  chiefs,  especially  Achilles.  This  hero  was 
the  son  of  that  Tlietis  at  whose  marriage  the  apple  of  Discord 
had  been  thrown  among  the  goddesses.  Thetis  was  herself 
one  of  the  immortals,  a  sea-nymph,  and  knoAving  that  her  son 
Avas  fated  to  perish  before  Troy  if  he  went  on  the  expedition, 
she  endeavored  to  prevent  his  going.  She  sent  him  away  to 
the  court  of  King  Lycomedes,  and  induced  him  to  conceal 
himself  in  the  disguise  of  a  maiden  among  the  daughters  of  the 
king.  Ulysses,  hearing  he  was  there,  went  disguised  as  a  mer- 
chant to  the  palace  and   offered  for  sale  female  ornaments, 


258  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

among  which  he  had  placed  some  arms.  While  the  king's 
daughters  were  engrossed  with  the  other  contents  of  the  mer- 
chant's pack,  Achilles  handled  the  weapons  and  thereby  be- 
trayed himself  to  the  keen  eye  of  Ulysses,  who  found  no  great 
difficulty  in  persuading  him  to  disregard  his  mother's  j^rudent 
counsels  and  join  his  countrymen  in  the  war. 

Priam  was  king  of  Troy,  and  Paris,  the  shepherd  and  seducer 
of  Helen,  was  his  son.  Paris  had  been  brought  up  in  obscu- 
rity, because  there  were  certain  ominous  forebodings  connected 
with  him  from  his  infancy  that  he  would  be  the  ruin  of  the 
state.  These  forebodings  seemed  at  length  likely  to  be  real- 
ized, for  the  Grecian  armament  now  in  preparation  was  the 
greatest  that  had  ever  been  fitted  out.  Agamemnon,  king  of 
Mycenae,  and  brother  of  the  injured  Menelaus,  Avas  chosen  com- 
mander-in-chief. Achilles  was  their  most  illustrious  warrior. 
After  him  ranked  Ajax,  gigantic  in  size  and  of  great  courage, 
but  dull  of  intellect,  Diomedes,  second  only  to  Achilles  in  all 
the  qualities  of  a  hero,  Ulysses,  famous  for  his  sagacity,  and 
Nestor,  the  oldest  of  the  Grecian  chiefs,  and  one  to  wliom  they 
all  looked  up  for  counsel.  But  Troy  Avas  no  feeble  enemy. 
Priam,  the  king,  was  now  old,  but  he  had  been  a  wise  prince 
and  had  strengthened  his  state  by  good  government  at  home 
and  numerous  alliances  with  his  neighbors.  But  the  principal 
stay  and  support  of  his  throne  was  his  son  Hector,  one  of  the 
noblest  characters  painted  by  heathen  antiquity.  Hector  felt, 
from  the  first,  a  presentiment  of  the  fall  of  his  country,  but 
still  persevered  in  his  heroic  resistance,  yet  by  no  means  justi- 
fied the  wrong  which  brought  this  danger  upon  her.  He  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Andromache,  and  as  a  husband  and 
father  his  character  was  not  less  admirable  than  as  a  warrior. 
The  principal  leaders  on  the  side  of  the  Trojans,  besides  Hec- 
tor, were  ^neas  and  Deiphobus,  Glaucus  and  Sarpedon. 

After  two  years  of  preparation  the  Greek  fleet  and  army 
assembled  in  the  port  of  Aulis  in  Boeotia.  Here  Agamemnon 
in  hunting  killed  a  stag  Avhich  was  sacred  to  Diana,  and  the 
goddess  in  return  visited  the  army  with  pestilence,  and  pro- 
duced a  calm  Avhich  prevented  the  ships  from  leaving  the  port. 
Calchas  the  soothsayer  thereupon  announced  that  the  wrath  of 


THE    TROJAN    WAR. 


259 


the  virgin  goddess  could  only  be  appeased  by  the  sacrifice  of  a 
vii-gin  on  her  altar,  and  that  none  other  but  the  daughter  of 
the  offender  would  be  acceptable.  Agamemnon,  however 
reluctant,  yielded  liis  consent,  and  the  maiden  Ipliigenia  Avas 
sent  for  under  the  pretence  that  she  was  to  be  married  to 


THE  SACKIFICE  OF  IPHIGENIA. 

Acliilles.  When  she  was  about  to  be  sacrificed  the  goddess 
relented  and  snatched  her  away,  leaving  a  hind  in  lier  place, 
and  Iphigenia  enveloped  in  a  cloud  was  carried  to  Tauris, 
where  Diana  made  her  priestess  of  her  temple. 

Tennyson,  in  his  Dream  of  Fair  Women,  makes  Iphigenia 
thus  describe  her  feelings  at  the  moment  of  sacrifice,  the  mo- 
ment represented  in  our  engraving :  — 


260  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

"  I  was  cut  off  from  hope  in  that  sad  place, 

Which  yet  to  name  my  spirit  loathes  and  fears ; 
My  father  held  his  hand  upon  his  face  ; 
I,  blinded  by  my  tears, 

"  Still  strove  to  speak  ;  my  voice  was  thick  with  sighs, 
As  in  a  dream.    Dimly  I  could  desci-y 
The  stern  black-bearded  kings,  with  wolfish  eyes, 
Waiting-  to  see  me  die. 

"  The  tall  masts  quivered  as  they  lay  afloat. 
The  temples  and  the  people  and  the  shore  ; 
One  drew  a  sharp  knife  through  my  tender  throat 
Slowly,  —  and  —  nothing  more." 


The  wind  now  proving  fair  the  fleet  made  sail  and  brought 
the  forces  to  the  coast  of  Troy.  Tlie  Trojans  came  to  oppose 
their  landing,  and  at  the  first  onset  Protesilalis  fell  by  the  hand 
of  Hector.  Protesilaus  had  left  at  home  his  wife  Laodamia, 
who  Avas  most  tenderly  attached  to  him.  When  the  news  of 
his  death  reached  her  she  implored  the  gods  to  be  allowed  to 
converse  with  him  only  three  hours.  Tlie  request  was  granted. 
Mercury  led  Protesilaus  back  to  the  upper  world,  and  when 
he  died  a  second  time  Laodamia  died  with  him.  There  was  a 
story  that  the  nymphs  planted  elm-trees  round  his  grave  which 
grew  very  well  till  they  were  high  enough  to  command  a  view 
of  Troy,  and  then  withered  away,  while  fresh  branches  sprang 
from  the  roots. 

Wordsworth  has  taken  the  story  of  Protesilaus  and  Laodamia 
for  the  subject  of  a  poem.  It  seems  the  oracle  had  declared 
that  victory  should  be  the  lot  of  that  party  from  which  should 
fall  the  first  victim  to  the  war.  The  poet  represents  Protesi- 
laus, on  his  brief  return  to  earth,  as  relating  to  Laodamia  the 
story  of  his  fate  :  — 

"  The  wished-for  wind  was  given ;  I  then  revolved 

The  oracle,  upon  the  silent  sea; 
And  if  no  worthier  led  the  way,  resolved 

That  of  a  thousand  vessels  mine  should  be 
The  foremost  prow  impressing  to  the  strand, — 
Mine  the  first  blood  that  tinged  the  Trojan  sand. 


THE    ILIAD.  261 

■  Yet  bitter,  ofttimes  bitter  was  the  panjf 

When  of  thy  loss  I  thoiij^ht,  beloved  wife  ! 
On  thee  too  fondly  did  my  memory  hang, 

And  on  the  joys  we  shared  in  mortal  life. 
The  paths  which  we  had  trod,  —  these  fountains,  flowers ; 
My  new  planned  cities  and  unfinished  towers. 

But  should  suspense  permit  the  foe  to  cry, 

'  Behold  they  tremble !  haughty  their  array. 
Yet  of  their  number  no  one  dares  to  die  ! ' 

In  soul  I  swept  the  indignity  away : 
Old  frailties  then  recurred  :  but  lofty  thought 
In  act  embodied  my  deliverance  wrought. 

upon  the  side 

Of  Hellespont  (such  faith  was  entertained) 
A  knot  of  spiry  trees  for  ages  grew 

From  out  the  tomb  of  him  for  whom  she  died ; 

And  ever  when  such  stature  they  had  gained 
That  Ilium's  walls  were  subject  to  their  view. 
The  trees'  tall  summits  withered  at  the  sight, 
A  constant  interchange  of  growth  and  bligKt!  " 


The  Iliad. 

The  war  continued  without  decisive  results  for  nine  years. 
Then'  an  event  occurred  wliich  seemed  likely  to  be  fatal  to  the 
cause  of  the  Greeks,  and  that  was  a  quarrel  between  Achilles 
and  Agamemnon.  It  is  at  this  point  that  the  great  poem  of 
Homer,  the  Iliad,  begins.  The  Greeks,  though  unsuccessful 
against  Troy,  had  taken  the  neighboring  and  allied  cities,  and 
in  the  division  of  the  spoil  a  female  captive,  by  name  Chryseis, 
daughter  of  Chryses,  priest  of  Apollo,  had  fallen  to  the  share 
of  Agamemnon.  Chryses  came  bearing  the  sacred  emblems  of 
his  office,  and  begged  the  release  of  his  daughter.  Agamemnon 
refused.  Thereupon  Chryses  implored  Apollo  to  afflict  the 
Greeks  till  they  should  be  forced  to  yield  their  prey.  Apollo 
granted  the  prayer  of  his  priest,  and  sent  pestilence  into  the 
Grecian  camp.  Then  a  council  was  called  to  deliberate  how  to 
allay  the  wrath  of  the  gods  and  avert  the  plague.  Achilles 
boldly  charged  their  misfortunes  upon  Agamemnon  as  caused 
by  his  withholding  Chryseis.  Agamemnon  enraged,  consented 
to  relinquish  his  captive,  but  demanded  that  Achilles  should 


262 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


yield  to  him  in  her  stead  Briseis,  a  maiden  who  had  fallen  to 
Achilles'  share  in  the  division  of  the  spoil,  Achilles  submitted, 
but  forthwith  declared  that  he  would  take  no  further  jiart  in 
the  war.  He  Avithdrew  his  forces  from  the  general  camp  and 
openly  avowed  his  intention  of  returning  home  to  Greece. 


AGAMEMXOX  AND  CHRYSEIS. 


The  gods  and  goddesses  interested  themselves  as  much  in 
this  famous  war  as  the  parties  themselves.  It  was  well  known 
to  them  that  fate  had  decreed  that  Troy  should  fall,  at  last,  if 
her  enemies  should  persevere  and  not  voluntarily  abandon  the 
enterprise.  Yet  there  was  room  enough  left  for  chance  to 
excite  by  turns  the  hopes  and  fears  of  the  powers  above  who 
took  part  with  either  side.  Juno  and  Minerva,  in  consequence 
of  the  slight  put  upon  their  charms  by  Paris,  were  hostile  to  the 
Trojans ;  Venus  for  the  opposite  cause  favored  them.     Venus 


THE    ILIAD. 


263 


enlisted  her  admirer  Mars  on  the  same  side,  but  Neptime 
favored  the  Greeks.  Apollo  was  neutral,  sometimes  taking  one 
side,  sometimes  the  other,  and  Jove  himself,  though  he  loved 
the  good  King  Priam,  yet  exercised  a  degi-ee  of  impartiality ; 
not  however  without  exceptions. 

Thetis,  the  mother  of  Achilles,  warmly  resented  the  injury 
done  to  her  son.  She  repaired  immediately  to  Jove's  palace, 
and  besought  him  to  make  the  Greeks  repent  of  their  injustice 


MARS  AND  VENUS. 


to  Achilles  by  granting  success  to  the  Trojan  arms.  Jupiter 
consented  ;  and  in  the  battle  which  ensued  the  Trojans  wei-e 
completely  successful.  The  Greeks  were  driven  from'  the  field, 
and  took  refuge  in  their  ships. 

Then  Agamemnon  called  a  council  of  his  wisest  and  bravest 
chiefs.  Nestor  advised  that  an  embassy  should  be  sent  to 
Achilles  to  persuade  him  to  return  to  the  field  ;  that  Agamem- 
non should  yield  the  maiden,  the  cause  of  the  dispute,  Avith 
ample  gifts  to  atone  for  the  wrong  he  had  done.     Agamemnon 


i!()4  STORIES    OF    GODS    A\i)    IIEKOES. 

consented,  and  Ulysses,  Ajax,  and  Plioenix  were  sent  to  carry 
to  Acliilles  the  penitent  message.  Tliey  performed  that  duty, 
but  Achilles  was  deaf  to  their  entreaties.  He  positively 
refused  to  return  to  the  field,  and  persisted  in  his  resolution 
to  embark  for  Greece  without  delay. 

The  Greeks  had  constructed  a  rampart  around  their  ships, 
and  now,  instead  of  besieging  Troy,  they  were  in  a  manner 
besieged  themselves  within  their  rampart.  The  next  day  after 
the  unsuccessful  embassy  to  Achilles,  a  battle  was  fought,  and 
the  Trojans,  favored  by  Jove,  Avere  successful,  and  succeeded 
in  forcing  a  passage  thi'ough  the  Grecian  rampart,  and  were 
about  to  set  fire  to  the  ships.  Ne])tune,  seeing  the  Greeks  so 
pressed,  came  to  their  rescue.  He  appeared  in  the  form  of 
Calchas  the  prophet,  encouraged  the  warriors  with  his  shouts, 
and  appealed  to  each  individually  till  he  raised  their  ardor  to 
such  a  pitch  that  they  forced  the  Trojans  to  give  Avay.  Ajax 
performed  prodigies  of  A'alor,  and  at  length  encountered  Hector. 
Ajax  shouted  defiance,  to  which  Hector  replied,  and  hurled  his 
lance  at  the  huge  Avarrior.  It  Avas  well  aimed,  and  struck  Ajax 
where  the  belts  that  bore  his  SAVord  and  shield  crossed  each 
other  on  the  breast.  The  double  guard  prevented  its  penetrat- 
ing, and  it  fell  harmless.  Then  Ajax,  seizing  a  liuge  stone,  one 
of  those  that  served  to  prop  the  ships,  hurled  it  at  Hector.  It 
struck  him  in  the  neck  and  stretched  him  on  the  plain.  His 
folloAvers  instantly  seized  him,  and  l^ore  him  off  stunned  and 
Avounded. 

While  Neptune  Avas  thus  aiding  the  Greeks  and  driving  back 
the  Trojans,  Jupiter  saw  nothing  of  Avhat  Avas  going  on,  for  his 
attention  had  been  draAvn  from  the  field  by  the  Aviles  of  Juno. 
That  goddess  had  arrayed  herself  in  all  her  charms,  and,  to 
croAvn  all,  had  borroAved  of  Venus  her  girdle  called  Cestus, 
Avhich  had  the  effect  to  heighten  the  Avearer's  charms  to  such  a 
degree  that  they  were  quite  irresistible.  So  prepared,  Juno 
went  to  join  her  husband,  Avho  sat  on  Olympus  Avatching  the 
battle.  When  he  beheld  her  she  looked  so  charming  that  the 
fondness  of  his  early  love  reviA'ed,  and,  forgetting  the  contend- 
ing armies  and  all  other  affairs  of  state,  he  thought  only  of  her 
and  let  the  battle  go  as  it  Avould. 


TIU:    ILIAD. 


265 


But  this  absorption  did  not  continue  long,  and  when,  upon 
turning  his  eyes  downward,  lie  beheld  Hector  stretched  on  the 
plain  almost  lifeless  from  pain  and  bruises,  he  dismissed  Juno 
in  a  rage,  commanding  her  to  send  Iris  and  Apollo  to  him. 
When  Iris  came  he  sent  her  with  a  stern  message  to  Neptune, 


ACH.'LLKS    ANI>    lilUSKlS. 


ordering  him  instantly  to  quit  the  field.  Apollo  was  dispatched 
to  heal  Hector's  bruises  and  to  inspirit  his  heart.  These  orders 
were  obeyed  with  such  speed  that  while  the  battle  still  raged. 
Hector  returned  to  the  field  and  Neptune  betook  himself  to  his 
own  dominions. 

An  arrow  from  Paris's  bow  wounded  Machaon,  son  of  vEscu- 
lapius,  who  inherited  his  father's  art  of  healing,  and  was  there- 
fore of  great  value  to  the  Greeks  as  their  surgeon,  besides 
being  one  of  their  bravest  warriors.  Nestor  took  Machaon  in 
his  chariot  and  conveyed  him  from  the  field.  As  they  passed 
the  ships  of  Achilles,  that  hero,  looking  out  over  the  field,  saw 
the  chariot  of  Nestor  and  recognized  the  old  chief,  but  could 


266  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

not  discern  who  the  wounded  chief  was.  So  calling  Patroclus, 
liis  companion  and  dearest  friend,  he  sent  him  to  Nestor's  tent 
to  inquire. 

Patroclus,  arriving  at  Nestor's  tent,  saw  Machaon  wounded, 
and  having  told  the  cause  of  his  coming  would  have  hastened 
away,  hut  Nestor  detained  him,  to  tell  him  the  extent  of  the 
Grecian  calamities.  He  reminded  him  also  how,  at  the, time 
of  departing  for  Troy,  Achilles  and  liimself  had  been  charged 
by  their  respective  fathers  with  different  advice ;  Achilles  to 
aspire  to  the  highest  i)itch  of  glory,  Patroclus,  as  the  elder,  to 
keep  watch  over  his  friend,  and  to  guide  his  inexperience. 
"Now,"  said  Nestor,  "is  the  time  for  such  influence.  If  the 
gods  so  i)lease,  thou  mayest  win  him  back  to  the  common 
cause ;  but  if  not  let  him  at  least  send  his  soldiers  to  the  field, 
and  come  thou,  Patroclus,  clad  in  his  armor,  and  perhaps  the 
very  sight  of  it  may  drive  back  the  Trojans." 

Patroclus  was  strongly  moved  with  this  address,  and  hastened 
back  to  Achilles,  revolving  in  his  mind  all  he  had  seen  and 
heard.  He  told  the  prince  the  sad  condition  of  affairs  at  the 
camp  of  their  late  associates  ;  Diomedes,  Ulysses,  Agamemnon, 
Machaon,  all  wounded,  the  rami)art  broken  down,  the  enemy 
among  the  shii)S  preparing  to  burn  them,  and  thus  to  cut  off 
all  means  of  return  to  Greece.  While  they  spoke  the  flames 
burst  forth  from  one  of  the  ships.  Achilles,  at  the  sight,  re- 
lented so  far  as  to  grant  Patroclus  his  request  to  lead  the 
Myrmidons  (for  so  were  Achilles'  soldiers  called)  to  the  field, 
and  to  lend  him  his  armor  that  he  might  thereby  strike  more 
terror  into  the  minds  of  the  Trojans.  Without  delay  the  sol- 
diers were  marshalled,  Patroclus  put  on  the  radiant  armor  and 
mounted  the  chariot  of  Achilles,  and  led  forth  the  men  ardent 
for  battle.  But  before  he  Avent,  Achilles  strictly  charged  him 
that  he  should  be  content  Avith  repelling  the  foe.  "  Seek  not," 
said  he,  "to  press  the  Trojans  without  me,  lest  thou  add  still 
more  to  the  disgrace  already  mine."  Then  exhorting  the 
troops  to  do  their  best  he  dismissed  them  full  of  ardor  to  the 
fight. 

Patroclus  and  his  Myrmidons  at  once  iJlunged  into  the  con- 
test where  it  raged  hottest ;  at  the  sight  of  which  the  joyful 


THE    ILIAD.  267 

Grecians  sliouted  and  the  ships  reechoed  the  acclaim.  The 
Trojans,  at  the  sight  of  the  well-known  armor,  struck  with 
terror,  looked  every  where  for  refuge.  First  those  who  had 
got  possession  of  the  ship  and  set  it  on  fire  left  and  allowed 
the  Grecians  to  retake  it  and  extinguish  the  flames.  Then  the 
rest  of  the  Trojans  fled  in  dismay.  Ajax,  Menelaus,  and  the 
two  sons  of  Nestor  performed  prodigies  of  valor.  Hector  Avns 
forced  to  turn  his  horses'  heads  and  retire  from  the  enclosure, 
leaving  his  men  entangled  in  the  fosse  to  escape  as  they  could. 
Patroclus  drove  them  before  him,  slaying  many,  none  daring 
to  make  a  stand  against  him. 

At  last  Sarpedon,  son  of  Jove,  ventured  to  oppose  himself 
in  fight  to  Patroclus.  Jupiter  looked  down  upon  him  and 
would  have  snatched  him  from  the  fate  Avhich  awaited  him, 
but  Juno  hinted  that  if  he  did  so  it  would  induce  all  others  of 
the  inhabitants  of  heaven  to  interpose  in  like  manner  when- 
ever any  of  their  offspring  were  endangered ;  to  which  reason 
Jove  yielded.  Sarpedon  threw  his  spear  but  missed  Patroclus, 
but  Patroclus  threw  his  with  better  success.  It  pierced  Sai-- 
pedon's  breast  and  he  fell,  and,  calling  to  his  friends  to  save 
his  body  from  the  foe,  expired.  Then  a  furious  contest  arose 
for  the  possession  of  the  corpse.  The  Greeks  succeeded  and 
stripped  Sarpedon  of  his  armor ;  but  Jove  would  not  allow  the 
remains  of  his  son  to  be  dishonored,  and  by  his  command 
Apollo  snatched  from  the  midst  of  the  combatants  the  body  of 
Sarpedon  and  comiiiitted  it  to  the  care  of  the  twin  brothers 
Death  and  Sleep,  by  whom  it  was  transported  to  Lycia,  the 
native  land  of  Sarpedon,  where  it  received  due  funei-al  rites. 

Thus  far  Patroclus  had  succeeded  to  his  utmost  wish  in 
repelling  the  Trojans  and  relieving  his  countrymen,  but  now 
came  a  change  of  fortune.  Hector,  borne  in  his  chariot,  con- 
fronted him.  Patroclus  threw  a  vast  stone  at  Hector,  which 
missed  its  aim,  but  smote  Cebriones,  the  charioteer,  and 
knocked  him  from  the  car.  Hector  leaped  from  the  chariot  to 
rescue  his  friend,  and  Patroclus  also  descended  to  complete  his 
victory.  Thus  the  two  heroes  met  face  to  face.  At  this  de- 
cisive moment  the  poet,  as  if  reluctant  to  give  Hector  the 
glory,  records  that  Plioebus  took  part  against  Patroclus.     He 


266  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Struck  the  helmet  from  his  head  and  tlie  lance  from  his  hand. 
At  the  same  moment  an  obscure  Trojan  wounded  him  in  thb 
back,  and  Hector  pressing  forward  pierced  him  with  his  spear. 
He  fell  mortally  wounded. 

Then  arose  a  tremendous  conflict  for  the  body  of  Patroclus, 
but  his  armor  was  at  once  taken  possession  of  by  Hector,  who, 
retiring  a  short  distance,  divested  himself  of  his  own  armor 
and  put  on  that  of  Achilles,  then  returned  to  the  fight.  Ajax 
and  Mcnelaus  defended  the  body,  and  Hector  and  his  bravest 
warriors  struggled  to  capture  it.  The  battle  raged  with  equal 
fortune,  when  Jove  enveloj)ed  the  whole  face  of  heaven  with 
a  dark  cloud.  The  lightning  flashed,  the  thunder  roared,  and 
Ajax,  looking  round  for  some  one  whom  he  might  dispatch  to 
Achilles  to  tell  him  of  the  death  of  his  friend  and  of  the  immi- 
nent danger  that  his  remains  would  fall  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy,  could  see  no  suitable  messenger.  It  was  then  that  he 
exclaimed  in  those  famous  lines  so  often  quoted,  — 

"  Father  of  heaven  and  earth  !  deliver  thou 
Achaia's  host  from  darkness ;  clear  the  skies ; 
(live  day;  and,  since  thy  sovereiiin  will  is  such, 
Destruction  with  it;  but,  oh,  j^ive  us  day." 

Cowper. 

Or,  as  rendered  by  Pope,  — 

"  Lord  of  earth  and  air! 
Oh,  kin;^!  oh,  father!  hear  mj' humble  prayer ! 
Dispel  this  cloud,  the  light  of  heaven  restore; 
Give  me  to  see  and  Ajax  asks  no  more ; 
If  Greece  must  perish  we  thy  will  obey, 
But  let  us  perish  in  the  face  of  day." 

Jupiter  heard  the  prayer  and  dispersed  the  clouds.  Then 
Ajax  sent  Antilochus  to  Achilles  with  the  intelligence  of 
Patroclus's  death,  and  of  the  conflict  raging  for  his  remains. 
The  Greeks  at  last  succeeded  in  bearing  off  the  body  to  the 
ships,  closely  pursued  by  Hector  and  ^neas  and  the  rest  of  the 
Trojans. 

Achilles  heard  the  fate  of  his  friend  with  such  distress  that 
Antilochus  feared  for  a  while  that  he  would  destroy  himself. 
His  groans  reached  the  ears  of  his  mother,  Thetis,  far  down  in 


THE    ILIAD. 


269 


the  deeps  of  ocean  where  she  abode,  and  she  hastened  to  him 
to  inquire  the  cause.  She  found  him  overwhelmed  with  self- 
reproach  that  he  had  indulged  his  resentment  so  far,  and 
suffered  his  friend  to  fall  a  victim  to  it.  But  his  only  conso- 
lation was  the  hope  of  revenge.  He  would  fly  instantly  in 
search  of  Hector.     But  his  mother  reminded  him  that  he  was 


VULCAN  PBEPARIXG  ARMOR  OF  ACHILLES. 


now  without  armor,  and  promised  him,  if  he  would  but  Avait  till 
the  morrow,  she  would  procure  for  him  a  suit  of  armor  from 
Vulcan  more  than  equal  to  that  he  had  lost.  He  consented, 
and  Thetis  immediately  repaired  to  Vulcan's  palace.  She 
found  him  busy  at  his  forge  making  tripods  for  his  own  use,  so 
artfully  constructed  that  they  moved  forward  of  their  own  ac- 
cord when  wanted,  and  retired  again  when  dismissed.  On 
hearing  the  request  of  Thetis,  Vulcan  immediately  laid  aside 
his  work  and  hastened  to  comjDly  with  her  wishes.     He  fabri- 


270  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

cated  a  splendid  suit  of  armor  for  Achilles,  first  a  shield 
adorned  with  elaborate  devices,  then  a  helmet  crested  with 
gold,  then  a  corslet  and  greaves  of  impenetrable  temper, 
all  jicrfectly  adapted  to  his  form,  and  of  consummate  work- 
manship. It  was  all  done  in  one  night,  and  Thetis,  receiving 
it,  descended  with  it  to  earth  and  laid  it  down  at  Achilles'  feet 
at  the  dawn  of  day. 

The  first  glow  of  pleasure  that  Achilles  had  felt  since  the 
death  of  Patroclus  was  at  the  sight  of  this  splendid  armor. 
And  now  arrayed  in  it,  he  went  forth  into  the  camp,  calling 
all  the  chiefs  to  council.  When  they  were  all  assembled  he 
addressed  them.  Renouncing  his  displeasure  against  Agamem- 
non <and  bitterly  lamenting  the  miseries  that  had  resulted  from 
it,  he  called  on  them  to  proceed  at  once  to  the  field.  Agamem- 
non made  a  suitable  reply,  laying  all  the  blame  on  Ate,  the 
goddess  of  discord,  and  tliereui)on  complete  reconcilement  took 
place  between  the  heroes. 

Then  Achilles  went  forth  to  battle,  inspired  with  a  rage  and 
thirst  for  vengeance  that  made  him  irresistible.  The  bravest 
warriors  fled  before  him  or  fell  by  his  lance.  Hector,  cautioned 
by  Apollo,  kept  aloof;  but  the  god,  assuming  the  form  of  one 
of  Priam's  sons,  Lycaon,  urged  ^neas  to  encounter  the  terrible 
warrior,  ^neas,  though  he  felt  himself  unequal,  did  not  de- 
cline the  combat.  He  hurled  his  spear  with  all  his  force  against 
the  shield,  the  work  of  Vulcan.  It  was  formed  of  five  metal 
plates ;  two  were  of  brass,  two  of  tin,  and  one  of  gold.  The 
spear  pierced  two  thicknesses,  but  was  stopped  in  the  third. 
Achilles  threw  his  with  better  success.  It  pierced  through  the 
shield  of  ^neas,  but  glanced  near  his  shoulder  and  made  no 
wound.  Then  iEneas  seized  a  stone,  such  as  two  men  of  mod- 
ern times  could  hardly  lift,  and  Avas  about  to  throw  it,  and 
Achilles,  with  sword  drawn,  was  about  to  rush  upon  him,  when 
Neptune,  who  looked  out  upon  the  contest,  moved  with  pity 
for  vEneas,  who  he  saw  Avould  surely  fall  a  victim  if  not 
speedily  rescued,  spread  a  cloud  between  the  combatants,  and 
lifting  ^neas  from  the  ground,  bore  him  over  the  heads  of 
Avarriors  and  steeds  to  the  rear  of  the  battle.  Achilles,  when 
the  mist  cleared  away,  looked  round  in  vam  for  his  adversary, 


THE    ILIAD.  271 

and  acknowledging  the  prodigy,  turned  his  arms  against  other 
champions.  But  none  dared  stand  before  liim,  and  Priam  k:)ok- 
ing  down  from  his  city  walls  beheld  his  Avhole  army  in  full 
flight  towards  the  city.  He  gave  command  to  open  wide  the 
gates  to  receive  the  fugitives,  and  to  shut  them  as  soon  as  the 
Trojans  should  have  passed,  lest  the  enemy  should  enter  like- 
Avise.  But  Achilles  was  so  close  in  pursuit  that  that  would 
have  been  impossible  if  Apollo  had  not,  in  the  form  of  Agenor, 
Priam's  son,  encountered  Achilles  for  a  while,  then  turned  to 
fly,  and  taken  the  way  apart  from  the  city.  Achilles  pursued 
and  had  chased  his  supposed  victim  far  from  the  walls,  when 
Apollo  disclosed  himself,  and  Achilles,  perceiving  how  he  had 
been  deluded,  gave  up  the  chase. 

But  when  the  rest  had  escaped  into  the  town  Hector  stood 
Avithout,  determined  to  await  the  combat.  His  old  father  called 
to  him  from  the  walls  and  begged  him  to  retire  nor  tempt  tlie 
encounter.  His  mother,  Hecuba,  also  besought  him  to  the 
same  effect,  but  all  in  vain.  "  How  can  I,"  said  he  to  himself, 
"  by  whose  command  the  people  went  to  this  day's  contest, 
where  so  many  have  fallen,  seek  safety  for  myself  against  a 
single  foe  ?  But  Avhat  if  I  offer  him  to  yield  up  Helen  and  all 
her  treasures  and  ample  of  our  own  beside?  Ah  no  !  it  is  too 
late.  He  would  not  even  hear  me  through,  but  slay  me  Avhile 
I  si)oke."  While  he  thus  ruminated,  Achilles  approached,  ter- 
rible as  Mars,  his  armor  flashing  lightning  as  he  moved.  At 
that  sight  Hector's  heart  failed  him  and  he  fled.  Achilles 
swiftly  pursued.  They  ran,  still  keeping  near  the  walls,  till 
they  had  thrice  encircled  the  city.  As  often  as  Hector  ap- 
l^roached  the  walls  Achilles  intercepted  him  and  forced  him  to 
keep  out  in  a  wider  circle.  But  Apollo  sustained  Hector's 
strength,  and  would  not  let  him  sink  in  weariness.  Then 
Pallas,  assuming  the  form  of  Deiphobus,  Hector's  bravest 
brother,  appeared  suddenly  at  his  side.  Hector  saAV  him  Avith 
delight,  and,  thus  strengthened,  stopped  his  flight  and  turned 
to  meet  Achilles.  Hector  threw  his  spear,  Avhich  struck  the 
shield  of  Achilles  and  bounded  back.  He  turned  to  receive 
another  from  the  hand  of  Deiphobus,  but  Deiphobus  Avas  gone. 
Then  Hector  understood  his  doom  and  said,  "Alas!  it  is  plain 


272  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

this  is  my  hour  to  die !  I  thought  Deiphobus  at  hand,  but 
Pallas  deceived  me,  and  he  is  still  in  Troy.  But  I  will  not  fall 
inglorious."  So  saying,  he  drew  his  falchion  from  his  side  and 
rushed  at  once  to  combat.  Achilles,  secured  behind  his  shield, 
waited  the  approach  of  Hector.  When  he  came  within  reach 
of  his  spear,  Achilles,  choosing  with  his  eye  a  vulnerable  part 
where  the  armor  leaves  the  neck  uncovered,  aimed  his  spear  at 
that  part,  and  Hector  fell,  death-wounded,  and  feebly  said, 
"  Spare  my  body !  Let  my  j^arents  ransom  it,  and  let  me 
receive  funeral  rites  from  the  sons  and  daughters  of  Troy." 
To  Avhich  Achilles  reiDlied,  "Do*g,  name  not  ransom  nor  pity 
to  me,  on  whom  you  have  brought  such  dire  distress.  No ! 
trust  me,  nought  shall  save  thy  carcass  from  the  dogs.  Though 
twenty  ransoms  and  thy  weight  in  gold  were  offered,  I  would 
refuse  it  all." 

So  saying,  he  stripped  the  body  of  its  armor,  and  fastening 
cords  to  the  feet  tied  them  behind  his  chariot,  leaving  tlie 
body  to  trail  along  the  ground.  Then  mounting  the  chariot 
he  lashed  the  steeds,  and  so  dragged  the  body  to  and  fro 
before  the  city.  What  words  can  tell  the  grief  of  King  Priam 
and  Queen  Hecuba  at  this  sight !  His  people  could  scarce 
restrain  the  old  king  from  rushing  forth.  He  threw  himself  in 
tlie  dust,  and  besought  them  each  by  name  to  give  him  way. 
Hecuba's  distress  was  not  less  violent.  The  citizens  stood 
round  them  weeping.  The  sound  of  the  mourning  reached 
the  ears  of  Andromache,  the  wife  of  Hector,  as  she  sat  among 
her  maidens  at  work,  and  anticipating  evil  she  Avent  forth  to 
the  wall.  When  she  saw  the  sight  there  presented,  she  Avould 
have  thrown  herself  headlong  from  the  wall,  but  fainted  and 
fell  into  the  arms  of  her  maidens.  Recovering,  she  bewailed 
lier  fate,  picturing  to  herself  her  country  ruined,  lierself  a  cap- 
tive, and  her  son  dependent  for  his  bread  on  the  charity  of 
strangers. 

When  Achilles  and  the  Greeks  had  taken  their  revenge  on 
tlie  killer  of  Patroclus  they  busied  themselves  in  paying  due 
funeral  rites  to  their  friend.  A  pile  was  erected,  and  the  body 
burned  with  due  solemnity ;  and  then  ensued  games  of  strength 
and  skill,  chariot  races,  wrestling,  boxing,  and  archery.     Then 


THE    ILIAD. 


273 


tlic  chiefs  sat  down  to  the  funeral  banquet  and  after  that  retired 
to  rest.  But  Achilles  neither  partook  of  the  feast  nor  of  sleep. 
The  recollection  of  his  lost  friend  kept  him  awake,  remembering 
their  companionship  in  toil  and  dangers,  in  battle  or  on  the 
perilous  deep.  Before  the  earliest  dawn  he  left  his  tent,  and 
joining  to  his  chariot  his  swift  steeds,  he  fastened  Hector's 
body  to  be  dragged  behind.     Twice  he  dragged  him  round  the 


ACHILLES  DIPPED  IN  THE  STYX. 

tomb  of  Patroclus,  leaving  him  at  length  stretched  in  the  dust. 
But  Apollo  would  not  permit  the  body  to  be  torn  or  disfigured 
with  all  this  abuse,  but  preserved  it  free  from  all  taint  or  defile- 
ment. 

When  Achilles  indulged  his  wrath  in  thus  disgracing  brave 
Hector,  Jupiter  in  pity  summoned  Thetis  to  his  presence.  He 
told  her  to  go  to  her  son  and  prevail  on  him  to  restore  the  body 
of  Hector  to  his  friends.  Then  Jupiter  sent  Iris  to  King- 
Priam  to  encourage  him  to  go  to  Achilles  and  beg  the  body  of 
his  son.  Iris  delivered  her  message,  and  Priam  immediately 
prepared  to  obey.  He  opened  his  treasures  and  took  out  rich 
garments  and  cloths,  with  ten  talents  in  gold  and  two  splendid 
tripods  and  a  golden  cup  of  matchless  workmanship.  Then  he 
called  to  his  sons  and  bade  them  draw  forth  his  litter  and  place 
in  it  the  various  articles  designed  for  a  ransom  to  Achilles. 


274  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

When  all  was  ready,  the  old  king  with  a  single  companion,  as 
aged  as  himself,  the  herald  Idaeus,  drove  forth  from  the  gates, 
parting  there  with  Hecuba  his  queen,  and  all  his  friends,  who 
lamented  him  as  going  to  certain  death. 

But  Jupiter,  beholding  with  comi)assion  the  A'enerable  king, 
sent  Mercury  to  be  his  guide  and  protector.  Mercury,  assum- 
ing the  form  of  a  young  warrior,  presented  himself  to  the  aged 
couple,  and  while  at  the  sight  of  him  they  hesitated  whether 
to  fly  or  yield,  the  god  approached,  and  grasping  Priam's  hand, 
oifered  to  be  their  guide  to  Achilles'  tent.  Priam  gladly 
accepted  his  offered  service,  and  he,  mounting  the  carriage, 
assumed  the  reins  and  soon  conveyed  them  to  the  tent  of 
Achilles.  Mercury's  wand  put  to  sleej)  all  the  guards,  and 
without  hindrance  he  introduced  Priam  into  the  tent  where 
Achilles  sat,  attended  by  two  of  his  warriors.  The  old  king 
threw  himself  at  the  feet  of  Achilles  and  kissed  those  terrible 
hands  which  had  destroyed  so  many  of  his  sons.  "  Think,  O 
Achilles,"  he  said,  "  of  thy  own  father,  full  of  daj^s  like  me,  and 
trembling  on  the  gloomy  verge  of  life.  Perhaps  even  now 
some  neighbor  chief  oppresses  him,  and  there  is  none  at  hand 
to  succor  him  in  his  distress.  Yet  doubtless  knowing  that 
Achilles  lives  he  still  rejoices,  hojiing  that  one  day  he  shall  see 
thy  face  again.  But  no  comfort  cheers  me,  Avhose  bravest  sons, 
so  late  the  flower  of  Ilium,  all  have  fallen.  Yet  one  I  had, 
one  more  than  all  the  rest  the  strength  of  my  age,  whom  fight- 
ing for  his  country  thou  hast  slain.  I  come  to  redeem  his 
body,  bringing  inestimable  ransom  with  me.  Achilles,  rev- 
erence the  gods !  recollect  thy  father !  for  his  sake  show  com- 
passion to  me !  "  These  words  moved  Achilles  and  he  wept ; 
remembering  by  turns  his  absent  father  and  his  lost  friend. 
Moved  with  pity  of  Priam's  silver  locks  and  beard,  he  raised 
him  from  the  earth  and  thus  spake  :  "  Priam,  I  know  that  thou 
hast  reached  this  place  conducted  by  some  god,  for  without 
divine  aid  no  mortal  even  in  the  prime  of  youth  had  dared  the 
attempt.  I  grant  thy  request ;  moved  thereto  by  the  evident 
will  of  Jove."  So  saying  he  arose,  and  went  forth  Avith  his 
two  friends,  and  unloaded  of  its  charge  the  litter,  leaving  two 
mantles  and  a  robe  for  the  covering  of  the  body,  which  they 


THE    ILIAD.  275 

placed  on  the  litter,  and  spread  the  garments  over  it,  that  not 
unveiled  it  should  be  borne  back  to  Troy.  Then  Achilles  dis- 
missed the  old  king  with  his  attendants,  having  first  pledged 
himself  to  allow  a  truce  of  twelve  days  for  the  funeral  solem- 
nities. 

As  the  litter  approached  the  city  and  was  descried  from  the 
Avails,  the  people  poured  forth  to  gaze  once  more  on  the  face  of 
their  hero.  Foremost  of  all,  the  mother  and  the  wife  of  Hec- 
tor came,  and  at  the  sight  of  the  lifeless  body  renewed  their 
lamentations.  The  people  all  wept  with  them,  and  to  the  going 
down  of  the  sun  there  was  no  pause  or  abatement  of  their 
grief. 

The  next  day  preparations  were  made  for  the  funeral  solem- 
nities. For  nine  days  the  people  brought  wood  and  built  the 
pile,  and  on  the  tenth  they  placed  the  body  on  the  summit  and 
applied  the  torch;  while  all  Troy,  thronging  forth,  encompassed 
the  pile.  When  it  had  completely  burned,  they  quenched  the 
cinders  with  wine,  collected  the  bones  and  placed  them  in  a 
golden  urn,  which  they  buried  in  the  earth,  and  reared  a  pile 
of  stones  over  the  spot. 

"  Such  honoi-s  Ilium  to  her  hero  paid, 
And  peaceful  slept  the  mighty  Hector's  shade." 

Pojie's  Homer. 


CHAPTER    XXI. 


THE  FALL  OF  TROY. 


-RETURN  OF  THE  GREEKS.— ORESTES 
AlSnO  ELECTRA. 


THE  story  of  the  Iliad  ends  with  the  death  of  Hector,  and 
it  is  from  the  Odyssey  and  later  jooems  that  we  learn  the 
fate  of  the  other  heroes.  After  the  death  of  Hector,  Troy  did 
not  immediately  fall,  but  receiving  aid  from  new  allies  still 
continued  its  resistance.  One  of  these  allies  Avas  Memnon,  the 
^thiojiian  prince,  whose  story  we  have  already  told.  Another 
was  Penthesilea,  queen  of  the  Amazons,  who  came  with  a  band 
of  female  warriors.  All  the  authorities  attest  their  valor  and 
the  fearful  effect  of  their  Avar-cry.  Penthesilea  slew  many 
of  the  bravest  warriors,  but  was  at  last  slain  by  Achilles.  But 
when  the  hero  bent  over  his  fallen  foe,  and  contemplated  her 
beauty,  youth  and  valor,  he  bitterly  regretted  his  victory. 
Thersites,  an  insolent  braAvler  and  demagogue,  ridiculed  his 
grief,  and  was  in  consequence  slain  by  the  hero. 

Achilles  by  chance  had  seen  Polyxena,  daughter  of  King 
Priam,  perhaps  on  occasion  of  the  truce  Avhich  Avas  allowed  the 
Trojans  for  the  burial  of  Hector.     He  was  captivated  Avith  her 

(276) 


THE    FALL    OF    TltOV.  277 

charms,  and  to  win  her  in  marriage  agreed  to  use  his  influence 
Avith  tlie  Greeks  to  grant  2>eace  to  Troy.  While  in  the  temple 
of  Apollo,  negotiating  the  marriage,  Paris  discharged  at  him  a 
poisoned  arrow,  wluch  guided  by  Apollo,  wounded  Achilles  in 
the  heel,  the  only  vulnerable  part  about  him.  For  Thetis,  his 
mother,  had  dipped  him  when  an  infant  in  the  river  Styx, 
Avhich  made  every  part  of  him  invulnerable  except  the  heel  l)y 
which  she  held  him.^ 

The  body  of  Achilles,  so  treacherously  slain,  was  rescued  by 
Ajax  and  Ulysses.  Thetis  directed  the  Greeks  to  bestow  her 
son^  armor  on  the  hero  who,  of  all  survivors,  should  be  judged 
most  deserving  of  it.  Ajax  and  Ulysses  were  the  only  claim- 
ants ;  a  select  number  of  the  other  chiefs  were  appointed  to 
award  the  prize.  It  Avas  awarded  to  Ulysses,  thus  ])lacing  wis- 
dom before  valor ;  whereujion  Ajax  slew  himself.  On  the  sjjot 
Avhere  his  blood  sank  into  the  earth  a  flower  sprang  up,  called 
the  Hyacinth,  bearing  on  its  leaves  the  first  two  letters  of  the 
name  of  Ajax,  Ai,  the  Greek  for  "woe."  Thus  Ajax  is  a 
claimant  with  the  boy  Hyacinthus  for  the  honor  of  giving 
birth  to  this  flower.  There  is  a  species  of  Larkspur  which 
represents  the  hyacinth  of  the  poets  in  preserving  the  memory 
of  this  event,  the  Delphinium  Ajacis  —  Ajax's  Larkspur. 

It  was  noAV  discovered  that  Troy  could  not  be  taken  but  by 
the  arroAVS  of  Hercules.  They  Avere  in  possession  of  Philoc- 
tetes,  the  friend  AA^ho  had  been  Avith  Hercules  at  the  last,  and 
lighted  his  funeral  pyre.  Philoctetes  had  joined  the  Grecian 
expedition  against  Troy,  but  had  accidentally  Avounded  his 
foot  Avitli  one  of  the  poisoned  arroAA-s,  and  the  smell  from  his 
Avound  proved  so  offensiA'c  that  his  companions  carried  him  to 
the  Isle  of  Lemnos  and  left  him  there.  Diomedes  Avas  noAV  sent 
to  induce  him  to  rejoin  the  army.  He  succeeded.  Philoctetes 
Avas  cured  of  his  Avound  by  Machaon,  and  Paris  was  the  first 
victim  of  the  fatal  arroAvs.  In  his  distress  Paris  bethought 
him  of  one  Avhom  in  his  prosperity  he  had  forgotten.  This 
Avas  the  nymph  CEnone,  Avhom  he  had  married  Avhen  a  youth, 

1  The  story  of  the  invulnerability  of  Achilles  is  not  found  in  Homer,  and  is 
inconsistent  with  his  account.  For  how  could  Achilles  require  the  aid  of  celestial 
armor  if  he  were  invulnerable  ? 


278  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

and  had  abandoned  for  the  fatal  beauty  Helen,  CEnone,  re- 
membering the  wrongs  she  had  suffered,  refused  to  heal  the 
wound,  and  Paris  went  back  to  Troy  and  died.  CEnone 
quickly  repented,  and  hastened  after  him  with  remedies,  but 
came  too  late,  and  in  her  grief  hung  herself. 

Tennyson  has  chosen  CEnone  as  the  subject  of  a  short 
poem ;  but  he  lias  omitted  the  concluding  part  of  the  story, 
the  return  of  Paris  Avounded,  her  cruelty  and  subsequent  re- 
pentance. 

" Hither  came  at  noon 

Mournful  CEnone,  wandering  forlorn 

•  Of  Paris,  once  her  playmate  on  the  hills. 
Her  cheek  had  lost  the  rose,  and  round  her  neck 
Floated  her  hair,  or  seemed  to  float  in  rest. 
She,  leaning  on  a  fragment  twined  with  vine. 
Sang  to  the  stillness,  till  the  mountain-shade 
Sloped  downward  to  her  seat  from  the  upper  cliflf. 

"  '  O  Mother  Ida,  many-fountain'd  Ida, 
Dear  Mother  Ida,  hearken  ere  I  die. 
I  waited  underneath  the  dawning  hills, 
Aloft  the  mountain  lawn  was  dewy-dark, 
And  dewy-dark  aloft  the  mountain  pine  : 
Beautiful  Paris,  evil-hearted  Paris, 
Leading  a  jet-hlack  goat,  white-horned,  white-hooved, 
Come  up  from  reedy  Simois,  all  alone. 

"  '  O  Mother  Ida,  hearken  ere  I  die. 

Far  ofl'the  torrent  called  me  from  the  cliff: 

Far  up  the  solitary  morning  smote 

The  streaks  of  virgin  snow.    With  dowiidropt  eyes 

I  sat  alone :  white-breasted  like  a  star 

Fronting  the  dawn  he  moved ;  a  leopard-skin 

Drooped  from  his  shoulder,  but  his  sunny  hair 

Clustered  about  his  temples  like  a  God's, 

And  his  cheek  brightened  as  the  foambow  brightens 

When  the  wind  blows  the  foam,  and  all  my  heart 

Went  forth  to  embrace  him  coming,  ere  he  came. 

"  '  Dear  Mother  Ida,  hearken  ere  I  die. 

He  smiled,  and  opening  out  his  milk-wliitc  palm 
Disclosed  a  fruit  of  pure  Hesperian  gold, 
That  smelt  ambrosially,  and  while  I  looked 
And  listened,  the  full-flowing  river  of  speech 
Came  down  upon  my  heart. 


THE    FALL    OF    TROY.  279 

"  My  own  CEnoiie, 
Beautiful-browed  Qinone,  ray  own  soul, 
Behold  this  fruit,  whose  gleatiiini,^  rind  ingraven 
'  For  the  most  fair,'  would  seem  award  it  thine 
As  lovelier  than  whatever  Oread  haunt 
The  knolls  of  Ida,  loveliest  in  all  grace 
Of  movement,  and  tlie  charm  of  married  brows." 

"  '  Dear  Mother  Ida,  hearken  ere  I  die. 
He  prest  the  blossom  of  his  lips  to  mine, 
And  added,  "  This  was  cast  upon  the  board, 
When  all  the  full-faced  presence  of  the  goils 
Ranged  in  the  halls  of  Peleus;  whereupon 
Rose  feud,  with  question  unto  whom  'twas  due ; 
But  light-foot  Iris  brought  it  j-ester-eve 
Delivering,  that  to  me,  by  common  voice 
Elected  umpire,  Here'  comes  to-day, 
Pallas  and  Aphrodite,  claiming  each 
This  meed  of  fairest.     Thou  within  the  cave 
Beyond  yon  whispering  tuft  of  oldest  pine, 
May'st  well  behold  them  unbehold,  unheard 
Hear  all,  and  see  thy  Paris  judge  of  gods."  ' " 

There  was  in  Troy  a  celebrated  statue  of  Minerva  called  the 
Palladium.  It  was  said  to  have  fallen  from  heaven,  and  the 
belief  was  that  the  city  could  not  be  taken  so  long  as  this 
statue  remained  within  it.  Ulysses  and  Diomedes  entered  the 
city  in  disguise,  and  succeeded  in  obtaining  the  Palladium, 
which  they  carried  off  to  the  Grecian  camj). 

But  Troy  still  held  out,  and  the  Greeks  began  to  despair  of 
ever  subduing  it  by  force,  and  by  advice  of  Ulysses  resolved 
to  resort  to  stratagem.  They  i:)retended  to  be  making  larejDara- 
tions  to  abandon  the  siege,  and  a  portion  of  the  shij^s  Avere 
withdrawn,  and  lay  hid  behind  a  neighboring  island.  The 
Greeks  then  constructed  an  immense  loooden  /^orse,  Avhich  they 
gave  out  was  intended  as  a  propitiatory  offering  to  Minerva, 
but  in  fact  Avas  filled  with  armed  men.  The  remaining  Greeks 
then  betook  themselves  to  their  ships  and  sailed  away,  as  if  for 
a  final  departure.  The  Trojans,  seeing  the  encampment  broken 
up  and  the  fleet  gone,  concluded  the  enemy  to  have  aban- 
doned the  siege.  The  gates  were  thrown  open,  and  the  Avhole 
population  issued  forth  rejoicing  at  the  long-prohibited  liberty 
of  passing  freely  over  the  scene  of  the  late  encampment.     The 


280  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

great  horse  was  the  cliief  object  of  curiosity.  All  Avondered 
what  it  could  be  for.  Some  recommended  to  take  it  into  the 
city  as  a  trophy ;  others  felt  afraid  of  it. 

While  t/hey  hesitate,  Laocoon,  the  priest  of  Neptune,  ex- 
claims, "  What  inadness,  citizens,  is  this !  Have  you  not 
learned  enough  of  Grecian  fraud  to  be  on  your  guard  against 
it?  For  my  part  I  fear  the  Greeks  even  when  they  offer 
gifts."  ^  So  saying  he  threw  his  lance  at  the  horse's  side.  It 
struck,  and  a  hollow  sound  reverberated  like  'a  groan.  Then 
perhaps  the  people  might  have  taken  his  advice  and  destroyed 
the  fatal  horse  and  all  its  contents;  but  just  at  that  moment  a 
group  of  i^eople  appeared  dragging  forward  one  who  seemed  a 
prisoner  and  a  Greek.  Stujiefied  with  terror  he  was  brought 
before  the  chiefs,  who  reassured  him,  promising  that  his  life 
should  be  spared  on  condition  of  his  returning  true  answers  to 
the  questions  asked  him.  He  informed  them  that  he  Avas  a 
Greek,  Sinon  by  name,  and  that  in  consequence  of  the  malice 
of  Ulysses  he  had  been  left  behind  by  his  countrymen  at  their 
departure.  With  regard  to  the  wooden  horse,  he  told  them 
that  it  was  a  propitiatory  offering  to  Minerva,  and  made  so 
huge  for  the  express  purpose  of  preventing  its  being  carried 
within  the  city ;  for  Calchas  the  prophet  had  told  them  that  if 
the  Trojans  took  possession  of  it,  they  would  assuredly  triumjih 
over  the  Greeks.  This  language  turned  the  tide  of  the  peoj^le's 
feelings,  and  they  began  to  think  how  they  might  best  secure 
the  monstrous  horse  and  the  favorable  auguries  connected  Avith 
it,  when  suddenly  a  prodigy  occurred  which  left  no  room  to 
doubt.  There  appeared  advancing  over  the  sea  two  immense 
serpents.  They  came  upon  the  land,  and  the  crowd  fled  in  all 
directions.  The  serpents  advanced  directly  to  the  spot  Avhere 
Laocoon  stood  with  his  two  sons.  They  first  attacked  the 
children,  Avinding  round  their  bodies  and  breathing  their  pesti- 
lential breath  in  their  faces.  The  father,  attempting  to  rescue 
them,  is  next  seized  and  involved  in  the  serpents'  coils.  He 
struggles  to  tear  them  aAvay,  but  they  overpoAver  all  his  efforts 
and  strangle  him  and  the  children  in  their  poisonous  folds.  This 
event  was  regarded  as  a  clear  indication  of  the  displeasure  ol 

>  See  Proverbial  Expressions,  \r.ige  445. 


THE    FALL    OF    TROY. 


281 


the  gods  at  Laoeoon's  irreverent  treatment  of  the  wooden 
liorse,  whicli  they  no  longer  liesitated  to  regard  as  a  sacred 
object  and  prepared  to  introduce  Avith  due  solemnity  into  the 


city.  This  was  done  with  songs  and  triumphal  acclamations, 
and  the  day  closed  with  festivity.  In  the  night  the  armed  men 
who  were  enclosed  in  the  .body  of  the  horse,  being  led  out  by 
the  traitor  Sinon,  opened  tlie  gates  of  the  city  to  their  friends 
who  had  returned  under  cover  of  the  night.     The  city  was  set 


282  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

on  fire ;  the  jieople,  overcome  with  feastmg  and  sleep,  put  to 
the  sword,  and  Troy  comjiletely  subdued. 

One  of  the  most  celebrated  groups  of  statuary  in  existence 
is  that  of  Laocoon  and  his  children  in  the  embrace  of  the  ser- 
pents. There  is  a  cast  of  it  in  the  Boston  Athenaeum ;  the 
original  is  in  the  Vatican  at  Rome.  The  following  lines  are 
from  the  Childe  Harold  of  Byron :  — 

"  Now  turning  to  the  Vatican  go  see 
Laocoon's  torture  dignifying  pain : 
A  father's  love  and  mortal's  agony 
With  an  immortal's  patience  blending ;  — vain 
The  struggle !  vain  against  the  coiling  strain 
And  gripe  and  deepening  of  the  dragon's  grasp 
The  old  man's  clinch ;  the  long  envenomed  chain 
Rivets  the  living  links ;  the  enormous  asp 

Enforces  pang  on  pang  and  stifles  gasp  on  gasp." 

The  comic  poets  will  also  occasionally  borrow  a  classical 
allusion.  The  following  is  from  Swift's  descrij^tion  of  a  City 
Shower :  — 

"  Boxed  in  a  chair  the  beau  impatient  sits, 
While  spouts  run  clattering  o'er  the  roof  by  fits, 
And  ever  and  anon  with  frightful  din 
The  leather  sounds ;  he  trembles  from  within. 
So  when  Troy  chairmen  bore  the  wooden  steed 
Pregnant  with  Greeks,  impatient  to  be  freed, 
(Those  bully  Greeks,  who,  as  the  moderns  do. 
Instead  of  paying  chairmen,  run  them  through ; ) 
Laocoon  struck  the  outside  with  a  spear, 
And  each  imprisoned  champion  quaked  witli  tear." 

King  Priam  lived  to  see  the  doAvnfall  of  his  kingdom,  and 
was  slain  at  last  on  the  fatal  night  when  the  Greeks  took  the 
city.  He  had  armed  himself  and  was  about  to  mingle  with  the 
combatants,  but  was  prevailed  on  by  Hecuba,  his  aged  queen, 
to  take  refuge  with  herself  and  his  daughters  as  a  suppliant  at 
the  altar  of  Jupiter,  While  there,  his  youngest  son  Polites, 
pursued  by  Pyrrhus,^  the  son  of  Achilles,  rushed  in  wounded, 
and  expired  at  the  feet  of  his  father ;  whereupon  Priam,  over- 

»  Pyrrhus's  exclamation,  "Not  such  aid  nor  such  defenders  does  the  time  re- 
quire," has  become  proverbial.     Sec  Prov.  Exp.  page  445. 


CASSANDRA. 


283 


come   with   indignation,   hurled   his   spear  Avith   feeble   hand 
against  Pyrrhus,  and  was  forthwith  slain  by  him. 

Queen  Hecuba  and  her  daughter  Cassandra  were  carried 
captives  to  Greece.  Cassandra  had  been  loved  by  Apollo,  and 
he  gave  her  the  gift  of  prophecy;  but  afterwards  offended 
with  her,  he  rendered  the  gift  unavailing  by  ordaining  that 
her  predictions  should  never  be  believed.  Polyxena,  another 
daughter,  who  had  been  loved  by 
Achilles,  was  demanded  by  the  ghost 
of  that  warrior,  and  was  sacrificed  by 
the  Greeks  upon  his  tomb. 

From  Schiller's  poem  "  Cassandra  "  : 

"  And  men  my  prophet  wail  deride  ! 
The  solemn  soitow  dies  in  scorn; 
And  lonely  in  the  waste,  I  hide 
The  tortured  heart  tliat  would  forewarn. 
Amid  the  happy,  unre<;arded, 
Mock'd  by  their  fearful  joy,  I  trod ; 
Oh,  dai-k  to  me  the  lot  awarded. 
Thou  evil  Pythian  God  I 

"  Thine  oracle,  in  vain  to  be, 
Oh,  wherefore  am  I  thus  consigned, 
With  eyes  that  every  truth  must  see. 
Lone  in  the  city  of  the  blind  ? 
Cursed  with  the  anguish  of  a  power 
To  view  the  fates  I  may  not  thrall, 
The  hovering  tempest  still  must  lower, 
The  horror  must  befall ! 


'ASSANDRA. 


Boots  it  the  veil  to  lift,  and  give 

To  sight  the  frowning  fates  beneath  ? 
For  error  is  the  life  we  live. 

And,  oh,  our  knowledge  is  but  death  ! 
Take  back  the  clear  and  awful  mirror, 

Shut  from  my  eyes  the  blood-red  glare ; 
Thy  truth  is  but  the  gift  of  terror. 

When  mortal  lips  declare. 


My  blindness  give  to  me  once  more. 
The  gay  dim  senses  that  rejoice  : 

The  past's  delighted  songs  are  o'er 
For  lips  that  speak  a  prophet's  voice. 


284  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

To  me  the  future  thou  hast  granted ; 

I  miss  the  moment  from  the  chain  — 
The  happy  present  hour  enchanted  ! 

Take  back  thy  gift  again !  " 

Sir  Edic.  L,  Bulwer's  translation. 


Menelaus  and  Helen. 

Our  readers  will  be  anxious  to  know  the  fate  of  Helen,  the 
fair  but  guilty  occasion  of  so  much  slaughter.  On  the  fall  of 
Troy  Menelaus  recovered  possession  of  his  wife,  who  had  not 
ceased  to  love  him,  though  she  had  yielded  to  the  might  of 
Venus  and  deserted  him  for  another.  After  the  death  of  Paris 
she  aided  the  Greeks  secretly  on  several  occasions,  and  in  par- 
ticular when  Ulysses  and  Diomedes  entered  the  city  in  disguise 
to  carry  off  the  Palladium.  She  saw  and  recognized  Ulysses, 
but  kept  the  secret,  and  even  assisted  them  in  obtaining  the 
image.  Thus  she  became  reconciled  to  her  husband,  and  they 
were  among  the  first  to  leave  the  shores  of  Troy  for  their 
native  land.  But  having  incurred  tlie  displeasure  of  the  gods 
they  were  driven  by  storms  from  shore  to  shore  of  the  Medi- 
terranean, visiting  Cyprus,  Plicenicia  and  Egypt.  In  Egypt 
they  were  kindly  treated  and  presented  with  rich  gifts,  of 
which  Helen's  share  was  a  golden  spindle  and  a  basket  on 
wheels.  The  basket  was  to  hold  the  wool  and  spools  for  the 
queen's  Mork. 

Dyer,  in  his  poem  of  The  Fleece,  thus  alludes  to  the 
incident :  — 

" many  yet  adhere 

To  the  ancient  distaff  at  the  bosom  fixed. 
Casting  the  whirhng  spindle  as  they  walk. 


This  was  of  old,  in  no  inglorious  days, 
The  mode  of  spinning,  when  the  Egyptian  prince 
A  golden  distaff  gave  that  beauteous  nymph, 
Too  lieauteous  Helen  ;  no  uncourtly  gift." 

Milton  also  alludes  to  a  famous  roeijie  for  an  invigorating 
draught,  called  Nepenthe,  which  the  Egyi)tian  queen  gave  to 
Hek'u  :  — 


THE    FALL    OF    TROY.  285 

"  Not  that  Nepenthes  which  the  wife  of  Thone 
In  Eoj'vpt  gave  to  Jove-boru  Helena, 
Is  of  such  power  to  stir  up  joy  as  this, 
To  life  so  friendly  or  so  cool  to  thirst." 

Comus. 

Menelans  and  Helen  at  length  arrived  in  safety  at  Sparta, 
resumed  their  royal  dignity,  and  lived  and  reigned  in  splendor ; 
and  when  Telemachus,  the  son  of '  Ulysses,  in  search  of  his 
father,  arrived  at  Sparta,  he  found  Menelaus  and  Helen  cele- 
brating the  marriage  of  their  daughter  Hermione  to  Neopto- 
lemus,  son  of  Achilles. 

In  "  The  Victory  Feast,"  Schiller  thus  reviews  the  return  of 
the  Greek  heroes. 

"  The  son  of  Atreus,  kin^  of  men, 
The  muster  of  the  hosts  surveyed. 
How  dwindled  from  the  thousands,  whea 

Along  Scamander  first  arrayed ! 
With  sorrow  and  the  cloudy  thought, 

The  great  king's  stately  look  grew  dim, — 
Of  all  the  hosts  to  Ilion  brought, 
How  few  to  Greece  return  with  him ! 
Still  let  the  song  to  gladness  call. 
For  those  who  yet  their  home  shall  greet! 
For  them  the  blooming  life  is  sweet : 
Return  is  not  for  all ! 

"Nor  all  who  reach  their  native  land 
May  long  the  joy  of  welcome  feel ; 
Beside  the  household  gods  may  stand. 

Grim  Murder,  with  awaiting  steel 
And  they  who  'scape  the  foe,  may  die 

Beneath  the  foul,  familiar  glaive. 
Thus  he  to  whom  prophetic  eye 
Her  light  the  wise  Minerva  gave  : 
'  Ah  !  bless'd,  whose  hearth,  to  memory  true 
The  goddess  keeps  unstained  and  pure ; 
For  woman's  guile  is  deep  and  suie, 
And  falsehood  loves  the  new  ! ' 

"  The  Spartan  eyes  his  Helen's  charms, 

By  the  best  blood  of  Greece  recaptured'; 
Rpund  that  fair  form  his  glowing  arms 
(A  second  bridal)  wreath,  enraptured. 


286  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Woe  waits  the  work  of  evil  birtli, 

Revenge  to  deeds  unblessed  is  given! 
For  watchful  o'er  the  things  of  earth, 
The  eternal  council-halls  of  heaven. 
Yes,  ill  shall  ever  ill  repay ; 

Jove  to  the  impious  hands  that  stain 
The  altar  of  man's  heart, 
Again  the  doomcr's  doom  shall  weigh  !  " 

Sir  Edw.  L.  Bulioer's  translation. 


Agamemxox,  Orestes,  and  Electra. 

Agamemnon,  the  general-in-chief  of  the  Greeks,  the  brother 
of  Menelaus,  who  had  been  drawn  into  the  quarrel  to  avenge 
another's  wrongs,  Avas  not  so  fortunate  in  the  issue  as  his 
brother.  During  his  absence  his  wife  Clytemnestra  had  been 
false  to  him,  and  when  his  return  was  expected,  she,  with  her 
paramour,  JEgisthus,  laid  a  plan  for  his  destruction,  and  at  the 
banquet  given  to  celebrate  his  return,  murdered  him. 

The  conspirators  intended  also  to  slay  his  son  Orestes,  a  lad 
not  yet  old  enough  to  be  an  object  of  apprehension,  but  from 
whom,  if  he  should  be  suffered  to  grow  up,  there  might  be 
danger.  Electra,  the  sister  of  Orestes,  saved  her  brother's  life 
by  sending  him  secretly  away  to  his  uncle  Strophius,  king  of 
Phocis.  In  the  palace  of  Stropliius,  Orestes  grew  up  with  the 
king's  son,  Pylades,  and  formed  with  him  that  ardent  friend- 
ship which  has  become  proverbial,  Electra  frequently  re- 
minded her  brother  by  messengers  of  the  duty  of  avenging  his 
father's  death,  and  when  groA\Ti  up  he  consulted  the  oracle 
of  Delplii,  which  confirmed  him  in  his  design.  He  therefore 
repaired  in  disguise  to  Argos,  pretending  to  be  a  messenger 
from  Strophius,  who  had  come  to  announce  the  death  of 
Orestes,  and  brought  the  ashes  of  the  deceased  in  a  funeral 
urn.  After  visiting  his  father's  tomb  and  sacrificing  upon  it, 
according  to  the  rites  of  the  ancients,  he  made  himself  known 
to  his  sister  Electra,  and  soon  after  slew  both  ^gisthus  and 
Clytemnestra. 

This  revolting  act,  the  slaughter  of  a  mother  by  her  son, 
though  alleviated  by  the  guilt  of  the  victim  and  the  express 


ORESTES    AND    ELECTRA. 


287 


command  of  the  gods,  did  not  fail  to  awaken  in  the  breasts  of 
the  ancients  the  same  abhorrence  that  it  does  in  ours.  The 
Eumenides,  avenging  deities,  seized  uj^on  Orestes,  and  drove 
liim  frantic  from  land  to  land.  Pylades  aceomijanied  him 
in  his  wanderings,  and  watched  over  him.  At  length  in 
answer  to  a  second  appeal  to  the  oracle,  he  was  directed  to  go 
to  Tauris  in  Scythia,  and  to 
bring  thence  a  statue  of 
Diana  which  was  believed  to 
have  fallen  from  heaven. 
Accordingly  Orestes  and 
Pylades  went  to  Tauris, 
Avhere  the  barbarous  people 
were  accustomed  to  sacrifice 
to  the  goddess  all  strangers 
who  fell  into  their  hands. 
The  two  friends  were  seized 
nnd  carried  boimd  to  the 
temple  to  be  made  victims. 
But  the  priestess  of  Diana 
was  no  other  than  Iphigenia, 
the  sister  of  Orestes,  Avho, 
our  readers  will  remember, 
was  snatched  away  by  Diana, 
at  the  moment  when  she  was 
about  to  be  sacrificed.  Ascer- 
taining from  the  prisoners  Avho  they  were,  Iphigenia  disclosed 
herself  to  them,  and  the  three  made  their  escape  with  the 
statue  of  the  goddess,  and  returned  to  Mycenre. 

But  Orestes  was  not  yet  relieved  from  the  vengeance  of  the 
Erinnyes.  At  length  he  took  refuge  with  Minerva  at  Athens. 
The  goddess  afforded  him  protection,  and  appointed  the  court 
of  Areopagiis  to  decide  his  fate.  The  Erinnyes  brought  forward 
their  accusation,  and  Orestes  made  the  command  of  the  Delphic 
oracle  his  excuse.  When  the  court  A'oted  and  the  voices  were 
equally  divided,  Orestes  was  acquitted  by  the  command  of 
Minerva. 


OKESTES  AND  ELECTRA 


288 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


Byron,  in  Childe  Harold,  Canto  IV.,  alludes  to  the  story  of 
Orestes :  — 

"  O  thou  who  never  3'et  of  human  wrong 
Left  the  unbalanced  scale,  great  Nemesis  ! 
Thou  who  didst  call  the  Furies  from  the  abyss, 
And  round  Orestes  bade  them  howl  and  hiss, 
For  that  unnatural  retribution,  — just, 
Had  it  but  been  from  hands  less  near,  —  in  this, 
Thy  former  realm,  I  call  thee  from  the  dust !  " 

One  of  the  most  pathetic  scenes  in  the  ancient  drama  is  that 
in  which  Sophocles  represents  the  meeting  of  Orestes  and 
Electra,  on  his  return  from  Phocis. 
Orestes,  mistaking  Electra  for  one  of 
the  domestics,  and  desirous  of  keep- 
ing his  arrival  a  secret  till  the  hour 
of  vengeance  should  arrive,  produces 
the  urn  in  which  his  ashes  are  sup- 
posed to  rest.  Electra,  believing  him 
to  be  really  dead,  takes  the  urn,  and 
embracing  it,  pours  forth  her  grief  in 
language  full  of  tenderness  and  de- 
spair. 

Milton,  m  one  of  his  sonnets,  says : 

"  The  repeated  air 
Of  sad  Electra's  poet  had  the  power 
To  save  the  Athenian  walls  from  ruin  bare." 

This  alludes  to  the  story  that  when, 
on  one  occasion,  the  city  of  Athens 
was  at  the  mercy  of  her  Spartan  foes, 
and  it  was  proposed  to  destroy  it,  the 

thought  was  rejected  upon  the  accidental  quotation,  by  some 

one,  of  a  chorus  of  Euripides. 


Troy. 

After  hearing  so  much  about  the  city  of  Troy  and  its  heroes, 
the  reader  will  perhaps  be  surprised  to  learn  that  the  exact 


TROY.  289 

site  of  that  famous  city  is  still  a  matter  of  dispute.  There  are 
some  vestiges  of  tombs  on  the  plain  Avhich  most  nearly  answers 
to  the  description  given  by  Homer  and  the  ancient  geogra- 
phers, but  no  other  evidence  of  the  former  existence  of  a  great 
city.  Byron  thus  describes  the  present  appearance  of  the 
scene :  — 

"  The  winds  are  high,  antl  Helle's  tide 
Eolls  darkly  heaving  to  the  main ; 
And  night's  descending  shadows  hide 

That  field  with  blood  bedewed  in  vain, 
The  desert  of  old  Priam's  pride, 
The  tombs,  sole  relics  of  his  reign. 
All  —  save  immortal  dreams  that  could  beguile 
The  blind  old  man  of  Scio's  rocky  isle." 

Bride  of  Ahijdos. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


ADVENTURES  OF  ULYSSES.  —  THE  LOTUS-EATERS.  —  CY- 
CLOPES.—CIRCE.— SIRENS. —SCYLLA  AND  CHARYBDIS.— 
CALYPSO. 

rp^HE  romantic  poem  of  the  Odyssey  is  now  to  engage  our 
X  attention.  It  narrates  the  Avanderings  of  Ulysses  (Odys. 
sens  in  the  Greek  langviage)  in  his  return  from  Troy  to  his  own 
kingdom  of  Ithaca. 

From  Troy  the  vessels  first  made  land  at  Ismarus,  a  city  of 
the  Ciconians,  where,  in  a  skirmish  with  the  inhabitants,  Ulys- 
ses lost  six  men  from  each  ship.  Sailing  thence  they  Avere 
overtaken  by  a  storm  Avhich  drove  them  for  nine  days  along 
the  sea  till  they  reached  the  country  of  the  Lotus-eaters.  Here, 
after  Avatering,  Ulysses  sent  three  of  his  men  to  discover  Avho 
the  inhabitants  were.  These  men  on  coming  among  the  Lotus- 
eaters  Avere  kindly  entertained  by  them,  and  Avere  given  some 
of  their  OAvn  food,  the  lotus-plant,  to  eat.  The  effect  of  this 
food  Avas  such  that  those  Avho  partook  of  it  lost  all  thoughts  of 
home  and  wished  to  remain  in  that  country.     It  was  by  main 

(290) 


ADVENTUKES    OF    ULYSSES.  291 

force  that  Ulysses  dragged  these  men  away,  and  he  was  even 
obliged  to  tie  them  under  the  benches  of  his  ship.^ 

They  next  arrived  at  the  country  of  the  Cyclopes.  The  Cy- 
clopes were  giants,  who  inhabited  an  island  of  which  they  w  ere 
the  only  possessors.  The  name  means  "  round  eye,"  and  these 
giants  Avere  so  called  because  they  had  but  one  eye,  and  that 
placed  in  the  middle  of  the  forehead.  They  dwelt  in  caves 
and  fed  on  the  wild  productions  of  the  island  and  on  what 
their  flocks  yielded,  for  they  were  shejjherds.  Ulysses  left  the 
main  body  of  his  ships  at  anchor,  and  with  one  vessel  went  to 
the  Cyclopes'  island  to  explore  for  supplies.  He  landed  with 
his  companions,  carrying  with  them  a  jar  of  wine  for  a  present, 
and  coming  to  a  large  cave  they  entered  it,  and  finding  no  one 
Avithin  examined  its  contents.  They  found  it  stored  Avith  the 
riches  of  the  flock,  quantities  of  cheese,  pails  and  boAvls  of  milk, 
lambs  and  kids  in  their  pens,  all  in  nice  order.  Presently  ar- 
rived the  master  of  the  cave,  Polyphemus,  bearing  an  immense 
bundle  of  firewood,  which  he  threw  doAvn  before  the  cavern's 
mouth.  He  then  drove  into  the  cave  the  sheep  and  goats  to 
be  milked,  and,  entering,  rolled  to  the  cave's  mouth  an  enor- 
mous rock,  that  twenty  oxen  could  not  draw.  Next  he  sat 
down  and  milked  his  ewes,  preparing  a  part  for  cheese,  and 
setting  the  rest  aside  for  his  customary  drink.  Then  turning 
round  his  great  eye  he  discerned  the  strangers,  and  growled 

1  Tennyson  in  the  Lotus-eaters  has  charmingly  expressed  the  dreamy 
languid  feeling  which  the  lotus-food  is  said  to  have  produced : 

"  How  sweet  it  were,  hearing  the  downward  stream 
With  half-shut  eyes  ever  to  seem 
Falling  asleep  in  a  half-dream  ! 
To  dream  and  dream,  like  yonder  amber  light 
Which  will  not  leave  the  myrrh-bush  on  the  height ; 
To  hear  each  other's  whispered  speech ; 
Eating  the  Lotus,  day  by  day, 
To  watch  the  crisping  ripples  on  the  beach, 
And  tender  curving  lines  of  creamy  spray  : 
To  lend  our  hearts  and  spirits  wholly 
To  the  influence  of  mild-minded  melancholy; 
To  muse  and  brood  and  live  again  in  memory. 
With  those  old  faces  of  our  infancy 
Heaped  over  with  a  mound  of  grass, 
Two  handfuls  of -white  dust,  shut  in  an  urn  of  brass." 


292  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

jant  to  them,  demanding  who  they  Avere,  and  where  from. 
Ulysses  replied  most  humbly,  stating  that  they  were  Greeks, 
from  the  great  exi^edition  that  had  lately  won  so  much  glory 
in  the  conquest  of  Troy ;  that  they  were  now  on  their  way 
home,  and  finished  by  imploring  his  hospitality  in  the  name  of 
the  gods.  Polyphemus  deigned  no  answer,  but  reaching  out 
his  hand,  seized  two  of  the  Greeks,  whom  he  hurled  against  the 
side  of  the  cave,  and  dashed  out  their  brains.  He  proceeded 
to  devour  them  with  great  relish,  and  having  made  a  hearty 
meal,  stretched  himself  out  on  the  floor  to  sleep.  Ulysses  was 
tempted  to  seize  the  opportunity  and  plunge  his  sword  into 
him  as  he  slept,  but  recollected  that  it  would  only  expose  them 
all  to  certain  destruction,  as  the  rock  with  Avhich  the  giant  had 
closed  up  the  door  was  far  beyond  their  power  to  remove,  and 
they  would  therefore  be  in  hopeless  imprisonment.  Next 
morning  the  giant  seized  two  more  of  the  Greeks,  and  dis- 
patched them  in  the  same  manner  as  their  companions,  feast- 
ing on  their  flesh  till  no  fragment  was  left.  He  then  moved 
aM-ay  the  rock  from  the  door,  drove  out  his  flocks,  and  went 
out,  carefully  replacing  the  barrier  after  him.  When  he  was 
gone  Ulysses  planned  hoAv  he  might  take  vengeance  for  his 
murdered  friends,  and  effect  his  escape  with  his  surviving 
companions.  He  made  his  men  prepare  a  massive  bar  of  wood 
cut  by  the  Cyclops  for  a  staff,  which  they  found  in  the  cave. 
They  sharpened  the  end  of  it  and  seasoned  it  in  the  fire,  and 
hid  it  under  the  straw  on  the  cavern  floor.  Then  four  of  the 
lioldest  were  selected,  with  whom  Ulysses  joined  himself  as  a 
fifth.  The  Cyclops  came  home  at  evening,  rolled  away  the 
stone  and  drove  in  his  flock  as  usual.  After  milking  them  and 
making  his  ai-rangements  as  before,  he  seized  two  more  of 
Ulysses'  companions  and  dashed  their  brains  out,  and  made 
his  evening  meal  upon  them  as  he  had  on  the  others.  After 
he  had  supped,  Ulysses,  approaching  him,  handed  him  a  bowl 
of  wine,  saying,  "Cyclops,  this  is  wine;  taste  and  drink  after 
thy  meal  of  man's  flesh."  He  took  and  drank  it,  and  Avas 
hugely  delighted  with  it,  and  called  for  more.  Ulysses  sup- 
plied him  once  and  again,  Avhich  pleased  the  giant  so  much 
that  he  promised  him  as  a  favor  that  he  should  be  the  last  of 


ADVENTURES    OF    ULYSSES.  293 

the  l^arty  devoured.  He  asked  his  name,  to  which  Ulysses 
rejjlied,  "My  name  is  Noman." 

After  his  supper  the  giant  lay  down  to  repose,  and  was  soon 
sound  asleep.  Then  Ulysses  with  his  four  select  friends  thrust 
the  end  of  the  stake  into  the  fire  till  it  was  all  one  burning 
coal,  then  poising  it  exactly  above  the  giant's  only  eye,  they 
buried  it  deeply  into  the  socket,  twirling  it  round  and  round 
as  a  carpenter  does  his  auger.  The  howling  monster  filled  the 
cavern  with  his  outcry,  and  Ulysses  with  his  aids  nimbly  got  out 
of  his  way  and  concealed  themselves  in  the  cave.  The  Cyclops, 
bellowing,  called  aloud  on  all  tlie  Cyclopes  dwelling  in  the 
caves  around  him,  far  and  near.  They  on  his  cry  flocked 
around  the  den,  and  inquired  what  grievous  hurt  had  caused 
him  to  sound  such  an  alarm  and  break  their  slumbers.  He 
replied,  "  O  friends,  I  die,  and  Noman  gives  the  blow."  They 
answered,  "If  no  man  hurts  thee  it  is  the  stroke  of  Jove,  and 
thou  must  bear  it."     So  saying,  they  left  him  groaning. 

Next  morning  the  Cyclops  rolled  away  the  stone  to  let  his 
flock  out  to  pasture,  but  planted  himself  in  the  door  of  the 
cave  to  feel  of  all  as  they  went  out,  that  Ulysses  and  his  men 
should  not  escape  with  them.  But  Ulysses  had  made  his  men 
harness  the  rams  of  the  flock  three  abreast,  Avith  osiers  which 
they  found  on  the  floor  of  the  cave.  To  the  middle  ram  of  the 
three  one  of  the  Greeks  suspended  himself,  so  protected  by  the 
exterior  rams  on  either  side.  As  they  passed,  the  giant  felt  of 
the  animals'  backs  and  sides,  but  never  thought  of  their  bel- 
lies ;  so  the  men  all  passed  safe,  Ulysses  himself  being  on  the 
last  one  that  passed.  When  they  had  got  a  few  paces  from 
the  cavern,  Ulysses  and  his  friends  released  themselves  from 
their  rams,  and  drove  a  good  part  of  the  flock  down  to  the 
shore  to  their  boat.  They  put  them  aboard  with  all  haste, 
then  pushed  off  from  the  shore,  and  when  at  a  safe  distance 
Ulysses  shouted  out,  "Cyclops,  the  gods  have  well  requited 
thee  for  thy  atrocious  deeds.  Know  it  is  Ulysses  to  whom 
thou  owest  thy  shameful  loss  of  sight."  The  Cyclops,  hearing 
this,  seized  a  rock  that  projected  from  the  side  of  the  moun- 
tain, and  rending  it  from  its  bed  he  lifted  it  high  in  the  air, 
then  exerting  all  his  force,  hurled  it  in  the  direction  of  the 


294  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

voice.  Down  came  the  mass,  just  clearing  the  vessel's  stern. 
The  ocean,  at  the  jjlunge  of  the  huge  rock,  heaved  the  ship 
towards  the  land,  so  that  it  barely  escaped  being  swamped  by 
the  waves.  When  they  had  with  the  utmost  difficulty  pulled 
off  shore,  Ulysses  was  about  to  hail  the  giant  again,  but  his 
friends  besought  him  not  to  do  so.  He  could  not  forbear, 
however,  letting  the  giant  know  that  they  had  escaped  his 
missile,  but  waited  till  they  had  reached  a  safer  distance  than 
before.  The  giant  answered  them  with  curses,  but  Ulysses 
and  his  friends  plied  their  oars  vigorously,  and  soon  regained 
their  companions. 

Ulysses  next  arrived  at  the. island  of  ^olus.  To  this  mon- 
arch Jupiter  had  intrusted  the  government  of  the  Avinds,  to 
send  them  forth  or  retain  them  at  his  will.  He  treated  Ulysses 
hospitably,  and  at  his  departure  gave  him,  tied  up  in  a  leathern 
bag  with  a  silver  string,  such  winds  as  might  be  hurtful  and 
dangeroiis,  commanding  fair  winds  to  blow  the  barks  towards 
their  country.  Nine  days  they  sped  before  the  wind,  and  all 
that  time  Ulysses  had  stood  at  the  helm,  without  sleep.  At 
last  quite  exhausted  he  lay  down  to  sleep.  While  he  slept, 
the  crew  conferred  together  about  the  mysterious  bag,  and 
concluded  it  must  contain  treasures  given  by  the  hospitable 
King  ^olus  to  their  commander.  Tempted  to  secure  some 
poi'tion  for  themselves  they  loosed  the  string,  Avhen  immediately 
the  winds  rushed  forth.  The  ships  Avere  driven  far  from  their 
course,  and  back  again  to  the  island  they  had  just  left.  JEolus 
was  so  indignant  at  their  folly  that  he  refused  to  assist  them 
further,  and  they  were  obliged  to  labor  over  their  course  once 
more  by  means  of  their  oars. 


The  Ljestry 


GOXIANS. 


The  next  adventure  was  with  the  barljarous  tribe  of  Laestry- 
gonians.  The  vessels  pushed  into  the  harbor,  tempted  by 
the  secure  appearance  of  the  cove,  completely  land-locked  ; 
Ulvsses    alone   moored   his  vessel  Avithout.     As  soon    as    the 


THE    L.^STRYGOXIANS.  295 

Lsestrygonians  found  the  ships  completely  in  their  i^ower  they 
attacked  them,  having  huge  stones  which  broke  and  overturned 
them,  and  with  their  spears  dispatched  the  seamen  as  they 
struggled  in  the  water.  All  the  vessels  with  their  crews  were 
destroyed,  except  Ulysses'  own  ship  which  had  remained  out- 
side, and  finding  no  safety  but  in  flight,  he  exhorted  his  men 
to  ply  their  oars  vigorously,  and  they  escaped. 

With  grief  for  their  slain  companions  mixed  with  joy  at 
their  own  escape,  they  pursued  their  way  till  they  arrived 
at  the  ^fean  isle,  where  dwelt  Circe,  the  daughter  of  the  sun. 
Landing  here  Ulysses  climbed  a  hill,  and  gazing  round  saw  no 
signs  of  habitation  except  in  one  sjDOt  at  the  centre  of  the 
island,  where  he  perceived  a  palace  embowered  with  trees. 
He  sent  forward  one-half  of  his  crew,  under  the  command 
of  Eurylochus,  to  see  what  prospect  of  hospitality  they  might 
find.  As  they  approached  the  jDalace,  they  found  themselves 
surrounded  by  lions,  tigers  and  wolves,  not  fierce,  but  tamed 
by  Circe's  art,  for  she  was  a  powerful  magician.  All  these 
animals  had  once  been  men,  but  had  been  changed  by  Circe's 
enchantments  into  the  forms  of  beasts.  The  sounds  of  soft 
music  were  heard  from  within,  and  a  sweet  female  voice 
singing.  Eurylochus  called  aloud  and  the  goddess  came  forth 
and  invited  them  in.  They  all  gladly  entered  except  Euryl- 
ochus, who  susj^ected  danger.  The  goddess  conducted  her 
guests  to  a  seat,  and  had  them  served  with  wine  and  other 
delicacies.  When  they  had  feasted  heartily,  she  touched  them 
one  by  one  with  her  wand,  and  they  became  immediately 
changed  into  stcine,  in  "  head,  body,  voice  and  bristles,"  yet 
Avith  their  intellects  as  before.  She  shut  them  in  her  sties, 
and  sujiplied  them  with  acorns  and  such  other  things  as  swine 
love. 

Eurylochus  hurried  back  to  the  ship  and  told  the  tale. 
Ulysses  thereujjon  determined  to  go  himself,  and  try  if  by 
any  means  he  might  deliver  his  companions.  As  he  strode 
onward  alone,  he  met  a  youth  who  addressed  him  familiarly, 
appearing  to  be  acquainted  with  his  adA-entiires.  He  an- 
nounced himself  as  Mercury,  and  informed  Ulysses  of  the  arts 
of  Circe,  and  of  the  danger  of  approaching  her.     As  Ulysses 


296  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

was  not  to  be  dissuaded  from  his  attempts,  Mercury  provided 
him  with  a  sprig  of  the  plant  Moly,  of  wonderful  i^ower  to  resist 
sorceries,  and  instructed  him  how  to  act.  Ulysses  proceeded, 
and  reaching  the  palace  was  courteously  received  by  Circe, 
who  entertained  him  as  she  had  done  his  comjjanions,  and  after 
he  had  eaten  and  drank,  touched  him  Avith  her  wand,  saying, 
"  Hence,  seek  the  sty  and  wallow  with  thy  friends."  But  he, 
instead  of  obeying,  drew  his  sword  and  rushed  upon  her  with 
fury  in  his  countenance.  She  fell  on  her  knees  and  begged  for 
mercy.  He  dictated  a  solemn  oath  that  she  would  release  his 
companions  and  practise  no  further  against  him  or  them ; 
and  she  repeated  it,  at  the  same  time  promising  to  dismiss 
them  all  in  safety  after  hospitably  entertaining  them.  She  was 
as  good  as  her  word.  The  men  were  restored  to  tlieir  shapes, 
the  rest  of  the  crew  summoned  from  the  shore,  and  the  whole 
magnificently  entertained  day  after  day,  till  Ulysses  seemed  to 
have  forgotten  his  native  land,  and  to  have  reconciled  himself 
to  an  inglorious  life  of  ease  and  pleasure. 

At  length  his  companions  recalled  him  to  nobler  sentiments, 
and  he  received  their  admonition  gratefully.  Circe  aided  their 
departure,  and  instructed  them  how  to  pass  safely  by  the  coast 
of  the  Sirens.  The  Sirens  were  Sea-nymphs  who  had  the 
power  of  charming  by  their  song  all  who  had  heard  them, 
so  that  the  unhappy  mariners  were  irresistibly  impelled  to  cast 
themselves  into  the  sea  to  their  destruction.  Circe  directed 
Ulysses  to  fill  the  ears  of  his  seamen  with  wax,  so  that  they 
should  not  hear  the  strain ;  and  to  cause  himself  to  be  bound 
to  the  mast,  and  his  people  to  be  strictly  enjoined,  whatever 
he  might  say  or  do,  by  no  means  to  release  him  till  they  should 
have  passed  the  Sirens'  island.  Ulysses  obeyed  these  directions. 
He  filled  the  ears  of  his  people  with  wax,  and  suffered  them  to 
bind  him  with  cords  firmly  to  the  mast.  As  they  approached 
the  Sirens'  island,  the  sea  was  calm,  and  over  the  waters  came 
the  notes  of  music  so  ravishing  and  attractive,  that  Ulysses 
struggled  to  get  loose,  and  by  cries  and  signs  to  his  people, 
begged  to  be  released ;  but  they,  obedient  to  his  previous 
orders,  sprang  forward  and  bound  him  still  faster.  They  held 
on  their  course,  and  the  music  grew  fainter  till  it  ceased  to  be 


SCYLLA    AND    CHARYBDIS.  2V7 

heard,  wlien  with  joy  Ulysses  gave  his  companions  the  signal 
to  unseal  their  ears,  and  they  relieved  him  from  his  bonds. 

The  imagination  of  a  modern  poet,  Keats,  has  discovered  for 
us  the  thoughts  that  passed  through  the  brains  of  the  victims 
of  Circe,  after  their  transformation.  In  his  Endymion  he 
represents  one  of  them,  a  monarch  in  the  guise  of  an  elephant, 
addressing  the  sorceress  in  human  language  thus :  — 

"  I  sue  not  for  my  happy  crown  again ; 
I  sue  not  for  my  plialanx  on  the  plain ; 
I  sue  not  for  my  lone,  my  widowed  wife ; 
I  sue  not  for  my  ruddy  drops  of  life, 
My  children  fair,  my  lovely  girls  and  boys; 
I  will  forget  them ;  I  will  pass  these  joys. 
Ask  nought  so  heavenward;  so  too  —  too  high; 
Only  I  pray,  as  fairest  boon,  to  die ; 
To  be  delivered  from  this  cumbrous  flesh. 
From  this  gross,  detestable,  filthy  mesh. 
And  merely  given  to  the  cold,  bleak  air. 
Have  mercy,  goddess !  Circe,  feel  my  prayer  I " 


ScYLLA    AN]>    ChARYBDIS. 

Ulysses  had  been"  warned  by  Circe  of  the  two  monsters 
Scylla  and  Charybdis.  We  have  already  met  with  Scylla 
in  the  story  of  Glaucus,  and  remember  that  she  was  once 
a  beautiful  maiden  and  was  changed  into  a  snaky  monster 
by  Circe.  She  dwelt  in  a  cave  high  up  on  the  cliff,  from., 
whence  she  was  accustomed  to  thrust  forth  her  long  necks, 
for  she  had  six  heads,  and  in  each  of  her  mouths  to  seize 
one  of  the  crew  of  etery  vessel  passing  Avithin  reach.  The 
other  terror,  Charybdis,  was  a  gulf,  nearly  on  a  level  with  the 
Avater.  Thrice  each  day  the  water  rushed  into  a  frightful 
chasm,  and  thrice  was  disgorged.  Any  vessel  coming  near  the 
whirlpool  when  the  tide  was  rushing  in  must  inevitably  be 
ingidfed  ;  not  Neptune  himself  could  save  it. 

On  approaching  the  haunt  of  the  dread  monsters,  Ulysses 
kept  strict  watch  to  discover  them.  The  roar  of  the  waters  as 
Charybdis   ingulfed   them,  gave    warning  at   a  distance,  but 


298  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Scylla  could  nowhei'e  be  discerned.  While  Ulysses  and  his 
men  watched  with  anxious  eyes  the  dreadful  Avhirlpool,  they 
were  not  equally  on  their  guard  from  the  attack  of  Scylla,  and 
the  monster  darting  forth  her  snaky  heads,  caught  six  of  his 
men,  and  bore  them  away  shrieking  to  her  den.  It  was  the 
saddest  sight  Ulysses  had  yet  seen  ;  to  behold  his  friends  thus 
sacrificed  and  hear  their  cries,  unable  to  afford  them  any 
assistance. 

Circe  had  warned  him  of  another  danger.  After  passing 
Scylla  and  Charybdis  the  next  land  he  Avould  make  was 
Trinakria,  an  island  whereon  were  pastured  the  cattle  of 
Hyperion,  the  Sun,  tended  by  his  daughters  Lampetia  and 
Phaethusa.  These  flocks  must  not  be  violated,  whatever  the 
wants  of  the  voyagers  might  be.  If  this  injunction  were  trans- 
gressed, destruction  was  sure  to  fall  on  the  offenders. 

Ulysses  would  willingly  have  j^assed  the  island  of  the  Sun 
without  stopping,  but  his  companions  so  urgently  pleaded 
for  the  rest  and  refreshment  that  would  be  derived  from 
anchoring  and  passing  the  night  on  shore,  that  Ulysses  yielded. 
He  bound  them,  however,  with  an  oath  that  they  would  not 
touch  one  of  the  animals  of  the  sacred  flocks  and  herds,  but 
content  themselves  with  what  provision  they  yet  had  left 
of  the  supply  which  Circe  had  put  on  board.  So  long  as  this 
supply  lasted  the  people  kept  their  oath,  but  contrary  winds 
detained  them  at  the  island  for  a  month,  and  after  consuming- 
all  their  stock  of  provisions,  they  were  forced  to  rely  upon  the 
birds  and  fishes  they  could  catch.  Famine  pressed  them,  and 
at  length  one  day,  in  the  absence  of  Ulysses,  they  slew  some 
of  the  cattle,  vainly  attempting  to  make  amends  for  the  deed 
by  offering  from  them  a  portion  to  "the  offended  powers, 
Ulysses,  on  his  return  to  the  shore,  Avas  horror-struck  at  per- 
ceiving what  they  had  done,  and  the  more  so  on  account 
of  the  portentous  signs  which  followed.  The  skins  crept  on 
the  ground,  and  the  joints  of  meat  lowed  on  the  spits  while 
roasting. 

The  wind  becoming  fair  they  sailed  from  the  island.  They 
had  not  gone  far  when  the  weather  changed,  and  a  storm  of 
thunder  and  lightning  ensued.    A  stroke  of  lightning  shattered 


SCYLLA    AND    CHAEYBDIS. 


299 


their  mast,  which  in  its  fall  killed  the  j^ilot.  At  last  the  A-essel 
itself  came  to  pieces.  The  keel  and  mast  floating  side  by  side, 
Ulysses  formed  of  them  a  .raft,  to  whicii  he  clung,  and,  the 
wind  changing,  the  waves  bore  him  to  Calyjjso's  island.  All 
the  rest  of  the  crew  perished. 


THE  sex. 


The   following   allusion   to  the  stories  we   have   just  been 
relating  is  from  Milton's  Comus,  line  252 :  — 

"  I  have  often  heard 
My  mother  Circe  and  the  Sirens  three, 
Amidst  the  flowery-kirtled  Naiades, 
Culling  their  potent  herbs  and  baneful  drnirs, 
Who  as  they  sung  would  take  the  prisoned  soul 
And  lap  it  in  Elysium.     Scylla  wept. 
And  chid  her  barking  waves  into  attention. 
And  fell  Charybdis  murmured  soft  applause." 

Scylla  and  Charybdis  have   become   proverbial,  to    denote 
ojiposite  dangers  which  beset  one's  course.^ 

1  See  Proverbial  Expressions,  page  446. 


300  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


Calypso. 

Calypso  was  n  sea-nymph,  one  of  that  numerous  class  of 
female  divinities  of  lower  rank  than  the  gods,  yet  sharing 
many  of  their  attributes.  Calypso  received  Ulysses  hospi- 
tably, entertained  him  magnificently,  became  enamored  of 
him,  and  wished  to  retain  him  forever,  conferring  on  him  im- 
mortality. But  he  persisted  in  his  resolution  to  return  to  his 
country  and  his  wife  and  son.  Calypso  at  last  received  a 
command  from  Jove  to  dismiss  him.  Mercury  brought  the 
message  to  her,  and  found  her  in  her  grotto,  which  is  thus 
described  by  Homer  :  — 

"  A  garden  vine,  luxuriant  on  all  sides, 
Mantled  the  spacious  cavern,  cluster-hung 
Profuse;  four  fountains  of  serenest  lymph. 
Their  sinuous  course  pursuing  side  by  side, 
Strayed  all  around,  and  every  where  appeared 
Meadows  of  softest  verdure  purpled  o'er 
With  violets ;  it  was  a  scene  to  fill 
A  god  from  heaven  with  wonder  and  delight." 

Calypso  with  much  reluctance  proceeded  to  obey  the  com- 
mands of  Jupiter.  She  supplied  Ulysses  with  the  means  of 
constructing  a  raft,  provisioned  it  Avell  for  him,  and  gave  him  a 
favoring  gale.  He  sped  on  his  course  prosperously  for  many 
days,  till  at  length,  when  in  sight  of  land,  a  storm  arose  that 
broke  his  mast,  and  threatened  to  rend  the  raft  asunder.  In 
this  crisis  he  was  seen  by  a  compassionate  sea-nymph,  who  in 
the  form  of  a  cormorant  alighted  on  the  raft,  and  presented 
him  a  girdle,  directing  him  to  bind  it  beneath  his  breast,  and 
if  he  should  be  compelled  to  trust  himself  to  the  Avaves,  it 
would  buoy  him  up  and  enable  him  by  swimming  to  reach  the 
land. 

Fenelon,  in  his  romance  of  Telemachus,  has  given  us  the 
adventures  of  the  son  of  Ulysses  in  search  of  his  father.  Among 
other  places  at  which  he  arrived,  following  on  his  father's 
footsteps,  was  Calypso's  isle,  and,  as  in  the  former  case,  the 
goddess  tried  every  art  to  keep  him  Avith  her,  and  offered  to 


CALYPSO.  301 

sliare  her  immortality  witli  him.  But  Minerva,  who,  in  the 
shape  of  Mentor,  accomiDanied  hira  and  governed  all  his  move- 
ments, made  him  repel  her  allurements,  and  when  no  other 
means  of  escape  could  be  found,  the  two  friends  leaped  from  a 
cliff  into  the  sea,  and  swam  to  a  vessel  which  lay  becalmed  off 
shore.  Byron  alludes  to  this  leap  of  Telemachus  and  Mentor 
in  the  following  stanza  :  — 

"  But  not  in  silence  pass  Calypso's  isles, 

The  sister  tenants  of  the  middle  deep ; 

There  for  the  weary  still  a  haven  smiles, 

Thouj;h  the  fair  <roddess  lonj,'  has  ceased  to  weep, 

And  o'er  her  cliffs  a  fruitless  watch  to  keep 

For  hira  who  dared  prefer  a  mortal  bride. 

Here  too  his  boy  essayed  the  dreadful  leap, 

Stern  Mentor  urp^ed  from  high  to  yonder  tide; 
While  thus  of  both  bereft  the  nymph-quccn  doubly  sighed." 


CHAPTER    XXIII. 

THE  ODYSSEY  (conti)iue(l). 
THE  PH.EACIANS.— FATE   OF   THE  SUITORS. 

ULYSSES  clung  to  tlie  raft  while  any  of  its  timbers  kej^t 
together,  and  when  it  no  longer  yielded  him  sup})ort, 
binding  the  girdle  around  him,  he  swam.  Minerva  smoothed 
the  billows  before  him  and  sent  him  a  wind  that  rolled  the 
waves  towards  the  shore.  The  surf  beat  high  on  the  rocks 
and  seemed  to  forbid  approach ;  but  at  length  finding  calm 
water  at  the  mouth  of  a  gentle  stream,  he  landed,  spent  with 
toil,  breathless  and  speechless  and  almost  dead.  After  some 
time  reviving,  he  kissed  the  soil,  rejoicing,  yet  at  a  loss  what 
course  to  take.  At  a  shoi't  distance  he  perceived  a  Avood,  to 
which  he  turned  his  steps.  There  finding  a  covert  sheltered 
by  intermingling  branches  alike  from  the  sun  and  the  rain,  he 
collected  a  pile  of  leaves  and  formed  a  bed,  on  Avhich  he 
stretched  himself,  and  heaping  the  leaves  over  him,  fell  asleep. 
The  land  where  he  was  thrown  was  Scheria,  the  country  of 
the  Phaeacians.  These  people  dwelt  originally  near  the  Cy- 
clopes ;  but  being  oppressed  by  that  savage  race,  they  migrated 

(302) 


THE    PH^ACIANS.  303 

to  the  isle  of  Sclieria,  under  the  conduct  of  Nausithoijs  their 
king.  They  were,  the  poet  tells  us,  a  people  akin  to  the  gods, 
Avho  appeared  manifestly  and  feasted  among  them  when  they 
offered  sacrifices,  and  did  not  conceal  themselves  froifi  solitary 
warfarers  when  they  met  them.  They  had  abundance  of  wealth 
and  lived  in  the  enjoyment  of  it  undisturbed  by  the  alarms  of 
war,  for  as  they  dwelt  remote  from  gain-seeking  man,  no  enemy 
ever  approached  their  shores,  and  they  did  not  even  require  to 
make  use  of  bows  and  quivers.  Xl^^ii'  chief  employment  was 
navigation.  Their  ships,  which  went  with  the  velocity  of 
birds,  were  endued  with  intelligence;  they  knew  every  port  and 
needed  no  pilot.  Alcinotis,  the  son  of  Nausithoiis,  was  now  their 
king,  a  wise  and  just  sovereign,  beloved  by  his  people. 

Now  it  happened  that  the  very  night  on  which  Ulysses  was 
cast  ashore  on  the  Phaeacian  island,  and  while  he  lay  sleeping 
on  his  bed  of  leaves,  ISTausicaa,  the  daughter  of  the  king,  had  a 
dream  sent  by  Minerva,  reminding  her  that  her  wedding-day 
Avas  not  far  distant,  and  that  it  would  be  but  a  prudent  prepa- 
ration for  that  event  to  have  a  general  washing  of  the  clothes 
of  the  family.  This  was  no  slight  affair,  for  the  fountains  were 
at  some  distance  and  the  garments  must  be  carried  thither. 
On  awaking,  the  princess  hastened  to  her  parents  to  tell  them 
Avhat  Avas  on  her  mind ;  not  alluding  to  her  wedding-day,  but 
finding  other  reasons  equally  good.  Her  father  readily  as- 
sented and  ordered  the  grooms  to  furnish  forth  a  wagon  for 
the  purpose.  The  clothes  were  put  therein,  and  the  queen 
mother  placed  in  the  wagon,  likewise  an  abundant  supply  of 
food  and  wine.  The  j^rincess  took  her  seat  and  plied  the  lash, 
her  attendant  virgins  following  her  on  foot.  Arrived  at  the 
river  side  they  turned  out  the  mviles  to  graze,  and  unloading 
the  carriage,  bore  the  garments  doAvn  to  the  Avater,  and  Avork- 
ing  Avith  cheerfulness  and  alacrity  soon  dispatched  their  labor. 
Then  having  spread  the  garments  on  the  shore  to  dry,  and 
having  themselves  bathed,  they  sat  down  to  enjoy  their  meal ; 
after  Avhich  they  rose  and  amused  themselves  Avith  a  game  of 
ball,  the  princess  singing  to  them  while  they  played.  But 
Avhen  they  had  refolded  the  apparel  and  were  about  to  resume 
their  way  to  the  town,  Minerva  caused  the  ball  throAAm  by  the 


304  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

princess  to  fall  into  the  water,  whereat  they  all  screamed,  and 
Ulysses  awaked  at  the  sound. 

Now  we  must  picture  to  ourselves  Ulysses,  a  shipwrecked 
mariner,  but  just  escaped  from  the  waves,  and  utterly  desti- 
tute of  clothing,  awaking  and  discovering  that  only  a  few  bushes 
were  interposed  between  him  and  a  group  of  young  maidens, 
whom,  by  their  deportment  and  attire,  he  discovered  to  be  not 
mere  peasant  girls,  but  of  a  higher  class.  Sadly  needing  help, 
how  could  he  yet  venture,  naked  as  he  was,  to  discover  himself 
and  make  his  wants  known  ?  It  certainly  was  a  case  worthy 
of  the  interposition  of  his  patron  goddess  Minerva,  who  never 
failed  him  at  a  crisis.  Breaking  off  a  leafy  branch  from  a  tree, 
lie  held  it  before  him  and  stepped  out  from  the  thicket.  The 
virginS)  at  sight  of  him,  fled  in  all  directions,  Nausicaa  alone 
excepted,  for  Minerva  aided  and  endowed  her  with  courage 
and  discernment.  Ulysses,  standing  respectfully  aloof,  told 
his  sad  case,  and  besought  the  fair  object  (whether  queen  or 
goddess  he  professed  he  knew  not)  for  food  and  clothing.  The 
princess  replied  courteously,  promising  present  relief  and  her 
father's  hospitality  when  he  should  become  acquainted  with 
the  facts.  She  called  back  her  scattered  maidens,  chiding 
their  alarm,  and  reminding  them  that  the  Phoeacians  had  no 
enemies  to  fear.  This  man,  she  told  them,  was  an  unhappy 
wanderer,  whom  it  was  a  duty  to  cherish,  for  the  poor  and 
stranger  are  from  Jove.  She  bade  them  bring  food  and  cloth- 
ing, for  some  of  her  brothers'  garments  were  among  the  con- 
tents of  the  wagon.  When  this  was  done,  and  Ulysses,  retir- 
ing to  a  sheltered  place,  had  washed  his  body  free  from  the 
sea-foam,  clothed  and  refreshed  himself  with  food,  Pallas 
dilated  his  form  and  diffused  grace  over  his  ample  chest  and 
manly  brows. 

The  princess,  seeing  him,  was  filled  with  admiration,  and 
scrupled  not  to  say  to  her  damsels  that  she  wished  the  gods 
would  send  her  such  a  husband.  To  Ulysses  she  recommended 
that  he  should  repair  to  the  city,  following  herself  and  train  so 
far  as  the  way  lay  through  the  fields ;  but  when  they  should 
approach  the  city  she  desired  that  he  would  no  longer  be  seen 
in  her  company,  for  she  feared  the  remarks  which  rude  and 


THE    PH^EACIANS.  305 

vulgar  people  might  make  on  seeing  her  return  accompanied 
by  such  a  gallant  stranger  ;  to  avoid  which  she  directed  liiin 
to  stop  at  a  grove  adjoining  the  city,  in  which  were  a  farm  and 
garden  belonging  to  the  king.  After  allowing  time  for  the 
jn-incess  and  her  companions  to  reach  the  city,  he  w^as  then  to 
pursue  his  way  thither,  and  would  be  easily  guided  by  any  he 
might  meet  to  the  royal  abode. 

Ulysses  obeyed  the  directions,  and  in  due  time  proceeded  to 
the  city,  on  approaching  which  he  met  a  young  woman  bearing 
a  pitcher  forth  for  water.  It  was  Minerva,  who  had  assumed 
that  form.  Ulysses  accosted  her,  and  desired  to  be  directed 
to  the  palace  of  Alcinous  the  king.  The  maiden  replied  re- 
spectfully, offering  to  be  his  guide  ;  for  the  palace,  she  informed 
him,  stood  near  her  father's  dwelling.  Under  the  guidance  of 
the  goddess,  and  by  her  power  enveloped  in  a  cloud  which 
shielded  him  from  observation,  Ulysses  passed  among  the  busy 
crowd,  and  with  wonder  observed  their  harbor,  their  ships, 
their  forum  (the  resort  of  heroes),  and  their  battlements,  till 
they  came  to  the  palace,  where  the  goddess,  having  first  given 
him  some  information  of  the  country,  king,  and  people  he  was 
about  to  meet,  left  him.  Ulysses,  before  entering  the  court- 
yard of  the  palace,  stood  and  surveyed  the  scene.  Its  splendor 
astonished  him.  Brazen  walls  stretched  from  the  entrance  to 
the  interior  house,  of  which  the  doors  were  gold,  the  door-posts 
silver,  the  lintels  silver  ornamented  with  gold.  On  either  side 
were  figures  of  mastiffs  wrought  in  gold  and  silver,  standing  in 
rows  as  if  to  guard  the  approach.  Along  the  walls  were  seats 
spread  through  all  their  length  with  mantles  of  finest  texture, 
the  work  of  Phaeacian  maidens.  On  these  seats  the  princes 
sat  and  feasted,  while  golden  statues  of  graceful  youths  held  in 
their  hands  lighted  torches,  which  shed  radiance  over  the 
scene.  Full  fifty  female  menials  served  in  household  offices, 
some  employed  to  grind  the  corn,  others  to  wind  off  the  purple 
wool  or  ply  the  loom.  For  the  Phaeacian  women  as  far  ex- 
ceeded all  other  women  in  household  arts  as  the  mariners  of 
that  country  did  the  rest  of  mankind  in  the  management  of 
ships.  Without  the  court  a  spacious  garden  lay,  in  which 
grew   many  a  lofty  tree,  pomegranate,  pear,  apjile,  fig,  and 


306  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

olive.  Neither  winter's  cold  nor  summer's  drought  arrested 
their  growth,  but  they  flourished  in  constant  succession,  some 
budding  while  others  were  maturing.  The  vineyard  was 
equally  prolific.  In  one  quarter  you  might  see  the  vines,  some 
in  blossom,  some  loaded  with  ripe  grapes,  and  in  another  ob- 
serve the  vintagers  treading  the  wine-press.  On  the  garden's 
borders  flowers  of  every  hue  bloomed  all  the  year  round,  ar- 
ranged with  neatest  art.  In  the  midst  two  fountains  poured 
forth  their  waters,  one  flowing  by  artificial  channels  over  all 
the  garden,  the  other  conducted  through  the  court-yard  of  the 
palace,  whence  every  citizen  might  draw  his, supplies. 

Ulysses  stood  gazing  in  admiration,  unobserved  himself,  for 
the  cloud  which  Minerva  s])read  around  him  still  shielded  him. 
At  length,  having  sufficiently  observed  the  scene,  he  advanced 
with  rapid  step  into  the  hall  Avhere  the  chiefs  and  senators 
were  assembled,  pouring  libation  to  Mercury,  whose  worship 
followed  the  evening  meal.  Just  then  Minerva  dissolved  the 
cloud  and  disclosed  him  to  the  assembled  chiefs.  Advancing 
toward  the  queen,  he  knelt  at  her  feet  and  implored  her  favor 
and  assistance  to  enable  him  to  return  to  his  native  country. 
Then  withdrawing,  he  seated  himself  in  the  manner  of  sup- 
pliants, at  the  hearth-side. 

For  a  time  none  spoke.  At  last  an  aged  statesman,  address- 
ing the  king,  said,  "It  is  not  fit  that  a  stranger  who  asks  our 
hospitality  should  be  kept  waiting  in  suppliant  guise,  none 
welcoming  him.  Let  him  therefore  be  led  to  a  seat  among  us 
and  supplied  with  food  and  wine."  At  these  Avords  the  king 
rising  gave  his  hand  to  Ulysses  and  led  him  to  a  seat,  displac- 
ing thence  his  own  son  to  make  room  for  the  stranger.  Food 
and  wine  were  set  before  him  and  he  ate  and  refreshed  himself. 

The  king  then  dismissed  his  guests,  notifying  them  that  the 
next  day  he  would  call  them  to  council  to  consider  what  had 
best  be  done  for  the  stranger. 

When  the  guests  had  departed  and  Ulysses  was  left  alone 
Avith  the  king  and  queen,  the  queen  asked  him  Avho  he  Avas 
and  AAdience  he  came,  and  (recognizing  the  clothes  Avhich  he 
Avore  as  those  AA'hich  her  maidens  and  herself  had  made)  from 
whom  he  received  his  garments.     He  told   them   of  his  resi- 


THE    PH^EACIAXS.  307 

deuce  in  Calypso's  isle  and  his  departure  thence ;  of  the  wreck 
of  his  raft,  his  escape  by  swimming,  and  of  the  relief  afforded 
by  the  princess.  The  parents  heard  approvingly,  and  the  king 
j^romised  to  furnish  him  a  shii^  in  which  he  might  return  to  his 
own  land. 

The  next  day  the  assembled  chiefs  confirmed  the  promise  of 
the  king.  A  bark  Avas  prepared  and  a  crew  of  stout  rowers 
selected,  and  all  betook  themselves  to  the  palace,  where  a 
bounteous  repast  Avas  provided.  After  the  feast  the  king  pro- 
posed that  the  young  men  should  show  their  guest  their  pro- 
ficiency in  manly  sports,  and  all  went  forth  to  the  arena  for 
games  of  running,  wrestling,  and  otlier  exercises.  After  all 
had  done  their  best,  Ulysses  being  challenged  to  show  what  ho 
could  do,  at  first  declined,  but  being  taunted  by  one  of  tho 
youths,  seized  a  quoit  of  weight  far  heavier  than  any  the 
Phffiacians  had  thrown,  and  sent  it  farther  than  the  utmost 
throw  of  theirs.  All  were  astonished,  and  viewed  their  guest 
with  greatly  increased  respect. 

After  the  games  they  returned  to  the  hall,  and  the  herald 
led  in  Demodocus,  the  blind  bard,  — 

"  Dear  to  the  Muse, 
Who  yet  appointed  liim  both  good  and  ill, 
Took  from  him  sight,  but  gave  him  strains  divine." 

He  took  for  his  theme  the  Wooden  Horse,  by  means  of  which 
the  Greeks  found  entrance  into  Troy.  Apollo  inspired  him, 
and  he  sang  so  feelingly  of  the  terrors  and  the  exploits  of  that 
eventful  time  that  all  Avere  delighted,  but  Ulysses  was  moved 
to  tears.  Observing  which,  Alcinous,  Avhen  the  song  was  done, 
demanded  of  him  Avhy  at  the  mention  of  Troy  his  sorroAvs 
awaked.  Had  he  lost  there  a  father  or  brother,  or  any  dear 
friend  ?  Ulysses  in  reply  announced  himself  by  his  true  name, 
and  at  their  request,  recounted  the  adventures  Avhich  had  be- 
fallen him  since  his  departure  from  Troy.  This  narrative 
raised  the  sympathy  and  admiration  of  the  Phfeacians  for  their 
guest  to  the  highest  pitch.  The  king  proposed  that  each  chief 
should  present  him  with  a  gift,  himself  setting  the  example. 


308  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND    HEROES. 

They  obeyed,  and  vied  with  one  another  in  loading  the  illus- 
trious stranger  with  costly  gifts. 

The  next  day  Ulysses  set  sail  in  the  Phaeacian  vessel,  and  in 
a  short  time  ai-rived  safe  at  Ithaca,  his  own  island.  When  the 
vessel  touched  the  strand  he  was  asleep.  The  mariners,  with- 
out waking  him,  carried  him  on  shore,  and  landed  with  him 
the  chest  containing  his  presents,  and  then  sailed  away. 

But  Neptune  was  disj^leased  at  the  conduct  of  the  Phseacians 
in  thus  rescuing  Ulysses  from  his  hands.  In  revenge,  on  the 
return  of  the  vessel  to  port,  he  transformed  it  into  a  rock, 
right  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  harbor. 

Homer's  description  of  the  ships  of  the  Phfeacians  has  been 
thought  to  look  like  an  anticipation  of  the  wonders  of  modern 
steam  navigation.     AlcinoiJs  says  to  Ulysses,  — 

"  Say  from  what  city,  from  what  regions  tossed, 
And  what  inhabitants  those  regions  boast  ? 
So  shalt  thou  quickly  reach  the  realm  assigned. 
In  wondrous  ships,  self-moved,  instinct  with  mind; 
No  helm  secures  their  course,  no  pilot  guides ; 
Like  man  intelligent  they  plough  the  tides. 
Conscious  of  every  coast  and  every  bay 
That  lies  beneath  tlie  sun's  all-seeing  ray." 

Odyssey,  Book  VIII. 

Lord  Carlisle,  in  his  Diary  in  the  Turkish  and  Greek  Waters, 
thus  speaks  of  Corfu,  which  he  considers  to  be  the  ancient 
Phaeacian  island :  — 

"  The  sites  explain  the  Odyssey.  The  temple  of  the  sea-god 
could  not  have  been  more  fitly  placed,  upon  a  grassy  platform 
of  the  most  elastic  turf,  on  the  brow  of  a  crag  commanding 
harbor,  and  channel,  and  ocean.  Just  at  the  entrance  of  the 
inner  harbor  there  is  a  picturesque  rock  with  a  small  convent 
perched  upon  it,  which  by  one  legend  is  the  transformed  pin- 
nace of  Ulysses. 

"Almost  the  only  river  in  the  island  is  just  at  the  proper 
distance  from  the  probable  site  of  the  city  and  palace  of  the 
king,  to  justify  the  princess  Nausicaa  having  had  resort  to  her 
chariot  and  to  luncheon  when  she  went  with  the  maidens  of 
the  court  to  wash  their  garments." 


FATE    OF   THE    SUITORS.  309 


Fate  of  the  Suitoks. 

It  was  now  twenty  years  that  Ulysses  had  been  away  from 
Ithaca,  and  when  he  awoke"  he  did  not  recognize  his  native 
land.  But  Minerva,  appearing  to  him  in  the  form  of  a  young 
shepherd,  informed  him  where  he  was,  and  told  him  the  state 
of  things  at  his  palace.  More  than  a  hundred  nobles  of  Ithaca 
and  of  the  neighboring  islands  had  been  for  years  suing  for  the 
hand  of  Penelope,  his  wife,  imagining  him  dead,  and  lording  it 
over  his  palace  and  peoj^le,  as  if  they  were  owners  of  both. 
That  he  might  be  able  to  take  vengeance  upon  them,  it  was 
important  that  he  should  not  be  recognized.  Minerva  accord- 
ingly metamorphosed  him  into  an  unsightly  beggar,  and  as 
such  he  was  kindly  received  by  Eumaeus,  the  swine-herd,  a 
faithful  servant  of  his  house. 

Telemachus,  his  son,  was  absent  in  quest  of  his  father.  He 
had  gone  to  the  courts  of  the  other  kings,  who  had  returned 
from  the  Trojan  expedition.  While  on  the  search,  he  received 
counsel  from  Minerva  to  return  home.  Arriving  at  Ithaca,  he 
sought  Eumagus  to  learn  something  of  the  state  of  affairs  at  the 
palace  before  presenting  himself  among  the  suitors.  Finding 
a  stranger  with  Eumasus,  he  treated  him  courteously,  though 
in  the  garb  of  a  beggar,  and  promised  him  assistance.  Eumaeus 
was  sent  to  the  palace  to  inform  Penelope  privately  of  her  son's 
arrival,  for  caution  Avas  necessary  with  regard  to  the  suitors, 
who,  as  Telemachus  had  learned,  were  plotting  to  intercept 
and  kill  him.  When  Eumaeus  w^as  gone,  Minerva  presented 
herself  to  Ulysses,  and  directed  him  to  make  himself  known  to 
his  son.  At  the  same  time  she  touched  him,  removed  at  once 
from  him  the  appearance  of  age  and  penury,  and  gave  him  the 
aspect  of  vigorous  manhood  that  belonged  to  him.  Telemachus 
viewed  him  with  astonishment,  and  at  first  thought  he  must 
be  more  than  mortal.  But  Ulysses  announced  himself  as  his 
father,  and  accounted  for  the  change  of  appearance,  by  ex- 
plaining that  it  was  Minerva's  doing. 


310  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND   HEROES. 

"  Then  threw  Telemachus 
His  arms  around  his  father's  neck  and  wept. 
Desire  intense  of  himentation  seized 
On  both ;  soft  nuirnuirs  uttering,  each  Indulged 
His  grief." 

The  father  and  son  took  counsel  together  how  they  should 
get  the  better  of  the  suitors  and  punish  them  for  their  out- 
rages. It  Avas  arranged  that  Telemachus  should  proceed  to 
the  palace  and  mingle  with  the  suitors  as  formerly ;  that  Ulys- 
ses should  go  also,  as  a  beggar,  a  character  Avhich  in  the  rude 
old  times  had  different  privileges  from  those  we  concede  to  it 
now.  As  traveller  and  story-teller,  the  beggar  was  admitted 
in  the  halls  of  chieftains,  and  often  treated  like  a  guest ;  though 
sometimes,  also,  no  doubt,  with  contumely.  Ulysses  charged 
his  son  not  to  betray,  by  any  display  of  unusual  interest  in 
him,  that  he  knew  him  to  be  other  than  he  seemed,  and  even 
if  he  saAV  him  insulted,  or  beaten,  not  to  interpose  otherwise 
than  he  might  do  for  any  stranger. 

At  the  palace  they  found  the  usual  scene  of  feasting  and  riot 
going  on.  The  suitors  pretended  to  receive  Telemachus  with 
joy  at  his  retui'n,  though  secretly  mortified  at  the  failure  of 
their  plots  to  take  his  life.  The  old  beggar  was  permitted  to 
enter,  and  provided  with  a  portion  from  the  table.  A  touching 
incident  occurred  as  Ulysses  entered  the  coui*t-yard  of  the 
palace.  An  old  dog  lay  in  the  yard  almost  dead  with  age,  and 
seeing  a  stranger  enter,  raised  his  head,  with  ears  erect.  It 
was  Argus,  Ulysses'  own  dog,  that  he  had  in  other  days  often 
led  to  the  chase. 

"  Soon  as  he  perceived 

Long-lost  Ulysses  nigh,  down  fell  his  ears 

Clapped  close,  and  witli  his  tail  glad  signs  he  gave 

Of  gratulation,  impotent  to  rise, 

And  to  approach  his  master  as  of  old. 

Ulysses,  noting  him,  wiped  off  a  tear 

Unmarked. 

.     .     .    Then  his  destiny  released 

Old  Argus,  soon  as  he  had  lived  to  see 

Ulysses  in  the  twentieth  year  restored." 

As  Ulysses  sat  eating  his  portion  in  the  hall,  the  suitors  soon 
began  to   exhibit   their   insolence   to   him.     When  he  mildly 


FATE    OF    THE    SUITORS.  311 

remonstrated,  one  of  them  raised  a  stool  and  with  it  gave  him 
a  blow.  Telemachus  had  hard  work  to  restrain  his  indignation 
at  seeing  his  father  so  treated  in  his  own  hall,  but  remembering 
his  father's  injunctions,  said  no  more  than  what  became  him  as 
master  of  the  house  and  jirotector  of  his  guests. 

Penelope  had  proti-acted  her  decision  in  favor  of  any  one  of 
her  suitors  so  long,  that  there  seemed  to  be  no  further  pretence 
for  delay.  The  continued  absence  of  her  husband  seemed  to 
prove  that  liis  return  was  no  longer  to  be  expected.  Mean- 
while her  son  had  grown  up,  and  was  able  to  manage  his  own 
affairs.  She  therefore  consented  to  submit  the  question  of  her 
choice  to  a  trial  of  skill  among  the  suitors.  The  test  selected  was 
shooting  with  the  bow.  Twelve  rings  were  arranged  in  a  line, 
and  he  whose  arrow  was  sent  through  the  whole  twelve,  was  to 
have  the  queen  for  his  prize.  A  bow  that  one  of  his  brother 
heroes  had  given  to  Ulysses  in  former  times,  Avas  brought  from 
the  armory,  and  with  its  quiver  full  of  arrows  was  laid  in  the 
hair.  Telemachus  had  taken  care  that  all  other  weapons  should 
be  removed,  under  pretence  that  in  the  heat  of  competition, 
there  Avas  danger,  in  some  rash  moment,  of  j^utting  them  to  an 
improper  use. 

All  things  being  prepared  for  the  trial,  the  first  thing  to  be 
done  Avas  to  bend  the  bow  in  order  to  attach  the  string.  Telem- 
achus endeavored  to  do  it,  but  found  all  his  efforts  fruitless  ; 
and  modestly  confessing  that  he  had  attemjited  a  task  beyond 
his  strength,  he  yielded  the  bow  to  another.  lie  tried  it  with 
no  better  success,  and,  amidst  the  laughter  and  jeers  of  his 
companions,  gave  it  up.  Another  tried  it  and  another  ;  they 
rubbed  the  boAV  with  tallow,  but  all  to  no  purpose ;  it  would 
not  bend.  Then  spoke  Ulysses,  humbly  suggesting  that  he 
should  be  permitted  to  try ;  for,  said  he,  "  beggar  as  I  am,  I 
was  once  a  soldier,  and  there  is  still  some  strength  in  these  old 
limbs  of  mine."  The  suitors  hooted  Avith  derision,  and  com- 
manded to  turn  him  out  of  the  hall  for  his  insolence.  But 
Telemachus  spoke  up  for  him,  and  merely  to  gratify  the  old 
man,  bade  him  try.  Ulysses  took  the  boAV,  and  handled  it 
with  the  hand  of  a  master.     With  ease  he  adjusted  the  cord  to 


312  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

its  notch,  then  fittmg  an  arrow  to  the  bow  he  drew  the  string 
and  sped  the  arrow  unerring  through  the  rings. 

Without  allowing  them  time  to  express  their  astonishment, 
he  said,  "Now  for  another  mark!"  and  aimed  direct  at  the 
most  insolent  one  of  the  suitors.  The  arrow  pierced  through 
his  throat  and  he  fell  dead.  Telemachus,  Eumaus,  and  another 
faithful  follower,  well  armed,  now  sprang  to  the  side  of  Ulysses. 
The  suitors,  in  amazement,  looked  round  for  arms  but  found 
none,  neither  was  there  any  way  of  escape,  for  Eumaeus 
had  secured  the  door.  iTlysses  left  them  not  long  in  uncer- 
tainty; he  announced  himself  as  the  long-lost  chief,  whose 
house  they  had  invaded,  whose  substance  they  had  squandered, 
whose  wife  and  son  they  had  persecuted  for  ten  long  years  ; 
and  told  them  he  meant  to  have  ample  vengeance.  All  the 
suitors  were  slain,  except  Phemius  the  bard  and  Medon  the 
herald,  and  Ulysses  was  left  master  of  his  own  palace  and 
possessor  of  his  kingdom  and  his  wife. 

Among    Schiller's    works    is    the    following    epigram    on 

Ulysses  :  — 

"  To  gain  his  home  all  oceans  he  explored ; 
Here  Seylla  frowned,  and  there  Charybdis  roared ; 
Horror  on  sea,  and  horror  on  the  land, 
In  hell's  dark  boat  he  sought  the  spectre  land, 
Till  borne  — a  slumberer  —  to  his  native  spot. 
He  woke,  and  sorrowing,  knew  his  countr}-  not." 

Sir  Edward  Bulwer's  Transiation. 

Tennyson's  poem  of  Ulysses  represents  the  old  hero,  after 
his  dangers  past  and  nothing  left  but  to  stay  at  liome  and  be 
^^PPy?  growing  tired  of  inaction  and  resolving  to  set  forth 
again  in  quest  of  new  adventures. 

"  Come,  my  friends, 
'Tis  not  too  late  to  seek  a  newer  world. 
Push  off,  and  sitting  well  in  order  smite 
The  sounding  furrows;  for  my  purpose  holds 
To  sail  beyond  the  sunset,  and  the  baths 
Of  all  the  western  stars,  until  I  die. 
It  may  be  that  the  gulfs  will  wash  us  down ; 
It  may  be  we  shall  touch  the  Happy  Isles, 
And  see  the  great  Achilles  whom  we  knew. 


Tennyson's  poem  of  ulysses.  313 

Tho'  much  is  taken,  much  abitles ;  and  tho' 

We  are  not  now  that  strength  which  in  old  days 

Moved  earth  and  heaven ;  that  which  we  are,  we  are ; 

One  equal  temper  of  heroic  hearts, 

Made  weak  by  time  and  fate,  but  strong  in  will 

To  strive,  to  seek,  to  find,  and  not  to  yield." 


CHAPTEE  XXIV 


ADVENTURES   OF 


.EXEA8.  —  THE   HARPIES.  —  DIDO. 
PALINURUS. 


WE  have  followed  one  of  the  Grecian  heroes,  Ulysses,  in 
his  wanderings,  on  his  return  home  from  Troy,  and  now 
we  propose  to  share  the  fortunes  of  the  remnant  of  the  con- 
quered people,  under  their  chief  ^neas,  in  their  search  for  a 
new  home,  after  the  ruin  of  their  native  city.  On  that  fatal 
night  when  the  wooden  horse  disgorged  its  contents  of  armed 
men,  and  the  capture  and  conflagration  of  the  city  were  the 
result,  ^neas  made  his  escape  from  the  scene  of  destruction, 
with  his  father,  and  his  wife,  and  young  son.  The  father, 
Anchises,  was  too  old  to  Avalk  with  the  speed  required,  and 
^neas  took  him  upon  his  shoulders.  Thus  burdened,  leading 
his  son  and  followed  by  his  wife,  he  made  the  best  of  his  way 
out  of  the  burning  city;  but  in  the  confusion,  his  wife  was 
swept  away  and  lost. 

On  arriving  at  the  place  of  rendezvous,  numerous  fugitives, 
of  both  sexes,  were  found,  Avho  put  themselves  under  the  guid- 
ance of  ^neas.  Some  months  were  spent  in  preparation^  and 
at  length  they  embarked.  They  first  landed  on  the  neighbor- 
ing shores  of  Thrace,  and  were  preparing  to  build  a  city,  but 
^neas  was  deterred  by  a  prodigy.     Preparing  to  offer  sacri- 

(314) 


ADVENTUEES    OF    ^ENEAS.  315 

fice,  lie  tore  some  twigs  from  one  of  the  bushes.  To  his  dis- 
may the  wounded  part  drojjped  blood.  When  he  repeated  the 
act,  a  voice  from  the  ground  cried  out  to  him,  "  Spare  me, 
^neas ;  I  am  your  kinsman,  Polydore,  here  murdered  with 
many  arrows,  from  which  a  bush  has  grown,  nourished  with 
my  blood."  These  words  recalled  to  the  recollection  of  ^neas 
that  Polydore  was  a  young  prince  of  Troy,  whom  his  father 
had  sent  with  ample  treasures  to  the  neighboring  land  of 
Thrace,  to  be  there  brought  up,  at  a  distance  from  the  horrors 
of  war.  The  king  to  whom  he  was  sent  had  murdered  him, 
and  seized  his  treasures,  ^neas  and  his  companions  hastened 
away,  considering  the  land  to  be  accursed  by  the  stain  of  such 
a  crime. 

They  next  landed  on  the  island  of  Delos,  which  was  once  a 
floating  island,  till  Jupiter  fastened  it  by  adamantine  chains  to 
the  bottom  of  the  sea.  Apollo  and  Diana  were  born  there, 
and  the  island  was  sacred  to  Apollo.  Here  ^neas  consulted 
the  oracle  of  Apollo,  and  received  an  answer,  as  ambiguous  as 
usual,  —  "  Seek  your  ancient  mother;  there  the  race  of  JEneas 
shall  dwell,  and  reduce  all  other  nations  to  their  sway."  The 
Trojans  heard  with  joy,  and  immediately  began  to  ask  one 
another,  "Where  is  the  spot  intended  by  the  oracle?"  An- 
chises  remembered  that  there  was  a  tradition  that  their  fore- 
fathers came  from  Crete,  and  thither  they  resolved  to  steer. 
They  arrived  at  Crete,  and  began  to  build  their  city,  but  sick- 
ness broke  out  among  them,  and  the  fields  that  they  had 
jilanted  failed  to  yield  a  crop.  In  this  gloomy  aspect  of 
affairs,  ^neas  was  warned  in  a  dream  to  leave  the  country, 
and  seek  a  western  land,  called  Hesperia,  whence  Dardanus, 
the  true  founder  of  the  Trojan  race,  had  originally  migrated. 
To  Hesperia,  now  called  Italy,  therefore,  they  directed  their 
future  course,  and  not  till  after  many  adventures  and  the 
lapse  of  time  suflicient  to  carry  a  modern  navigator  several 
times  round  the  world,  did  they  arrive  there. 

Their  first  landing  was  at  the  island  of  the  Harpies. 

" The  daughters  of  the  earth  and  sea, 

The  dreadful  snatchers,  who  like  womea  were 
Down  to  the  breast,  with  scanty  coarse  black  hair 


316  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND   HEROES. 

About  their  heads,  and  dim  ej'cs  ringed  with  red, 
And  bestial  ipouths  set  round  with  lips  of  lead, 
But  from  their  gnarled  necks  there  began  to  spring 
Half  hair,  half  feathers,  and  a  sweeping  wing 
Grew  out  instead  of  arm  on  either  side. 
And  thick  plumes  underneath  the  breast  did  hide 
The  place  where  joined  the  fearful  natures  twain. 
Gray-feathered  were  they  else,  with  many  a  stain 
Of  blood  thereon,  and  on  birds'  claws  they  went. 

Morris  :  Life  and  Death  of  Jason. 


The  Harpies  liad  been  sent  by  the  gods  to  torment  a  certain 
Phineus,  whom  Jupiter  had  deprived-  of  his  siglit  in  punish- 
ment of  liis  cruelty  ;  and  whenever  a  meal  was  placed  before 
him,  the  Harpies  darted  down  from  the  air  and  carried  it  off. 
They  were  driven  away  from  Phineus  by  tlie  heroes  of  the 
Argonautic  expedition,  and  took  refuge  in  tlie  island  where 
^neas  now  found  them. 

When  they  entered  the  port  the  Trojans  saw  herds  of  cattle 
roaming  over  the  plain.  They  slew  as  many  as  they  wished, 
and  prepared  for  a  feast.  But  no  sooner  had  they  seated 
themselves  at  the  table,  than  a  horrible  clamor  was  heard  in 
the  air,  and  a  flock  of  odious  Harpies  came  rushing  down  upon 
them,  seizing  in  their  talons  the  meat  from  the  dishes,  and 
flying  away  Avith  it.  ^neas  and  his  companions  drew  their 
swords  and  dealt  vigorous  blows  among  the  monsters,  but  to 
no  purpose,  for  they  were  so  nimble  it  was  almost  impossible 
to  hit  them,  and  their  feathers  were  like  armor  impenetrable 
to  steel.  One  of  them,  perched  on  a  neighboring  cliff,  screamed 
out,  "Is  it  thus,  Trojans,  you  treat  us  innocent  birds,  first 
slaughter  our  cattle,  and  then  make  war  on  ourselves?"  She 
then  predicted  dire  sufferings  to  them  in  their  future  course, 
and  having  vented  her  wrath  flew  away.  The  Trojans  made 
haste  to  leave  the  country,  and  next  found  themselves  coasting 
along  the  shore  of  Epirus,  Here  they  landed,  and  to  their 
astonishment  learned  that  certain  Trojan  exiles,  who  had  been 
carried  there  as  prisoners,  had  become  rulers  of  the  country. 
Andromache,  the  widow  of  Hector,  became  the  wife  of  one  of 
the  victorious  Grecian  chiefs,  to  whom  she  bore  a  son.  Her 
husband  dying,  she  was  left  regent  of  the  country,  as  guardian 


ADVEXTURES    OF    .EXEAS.  317 

of  her  son,  and  had  married  a  fellow-captive,  Helenas,  of  the 
royal  race  of  Ti'oy.  Helenas  and  Andromache  treated  the 
exiles  with  the  utmost  hospitality,  and  dismissed  them  loaded 
Avith  gifts. 

From  hence  -^neas  coasted  along  the  shore  of  Sicily,  and 
passed  the  country  of  the  Cyclopes.  Here  they  Avere  hailed 
from  the  shore  by  a  miserable  object,  whom  by  his  garments, 
tattered  as  they  Avere,  they  perceived  to  be  a  Greek.  He  told 
them  he  Avas  one  of  Ulysses'  companions,  left  behind  by  that 
chief  in  his  harried  departure.  He  related  the  story  of  Ulys- 
ses' adventure  Avith  Polyphemus,  and  besought  them  to  take 
him  off  Avith  them,  as  he  had  no  means  of  sustaining  his  exist- 
ence where  he  Avas,  but  Avild  berries  and  roots,  and  liA^ed  in 
constant  fear  of  the  Cyclopes.  While  he  spoke  Polyphemus 
made  his  appearance ;  a  terrible  monster,  shapeless,  A^ast,  Avhose 
only  eye  had  been  put  out.^  He  Avalked  Avith  cautious  steps, 
feeling  his  way  Avith  a  staff,  doAvn  to  the  sea-side,  to  wash  his 
eye-socket  in  the  Avaves.  When  he  reached  the  Avater,  he 
waded  out  toAvards  them,  and  his  immense  height  enabled  him 
to  advance  far  into  the  sea,  so  that  the  Trojans,  in  terror,  took 
to  their  oars  to  get  out  of  his  Avay.  Hearing  the  oars,  Polyphe- 
mus shouted  after  them,  so  that  the  shores  resounded,  and  at 
the  noise  the  other  Cyclopes  came  forth  from  their  caves  and 
woods,  and  lined  the  shore,  like  a  roAV  of  lofty  pine-trees.  The 
Trojans  plied  their  oars,  and  soon  left  them  out  of  sight. 

^neas  had  been  cautioned  by  Plelenus  to  avoid  the  strait 
guarded  by  the  monsters  Scylla  and  Charybdis.  There  Ulys- 
ses, the  reader  will  remember,  had  lost  six  of  his  men,  seized 
by  Scylla,  while  the  navigators  Avere  Avholly  intent  upon  aA'oiding 
Charybdis.  -^neas,  following  the  advice  of  Ilelenus,  shunned 
the  dangerous  pass  and  coasted  along  the  island  of  Sicily. 

Juno,  seeing  the  Trojans  speeding  their  Avay  prosperously 
tOAvards  their  destined  shore,  felt  her  old  grudge  against  them 
revive,  for  she  could  not  forget  the  slight  that  Paris  had  put 
upon  her,  in  awarding  the  prize  of  beauty  to  another.  In 
heaA'enly  minds  can  such  resentments  dAvell !  ^  Accordingly  she 
hastened  to  u.Eolus,  the  ruler  of  the  Avinds,  —  the  same  who 

1  See  Proverbial  Expressions,  page  446. 


318  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

supplied  Ulysses  witli  favoring  gales,  giving  liim  the  contrary- 
ones  tied  up  in  a  bag,  ^olus  obeyed  the  goddess  and  sent 
forth  his  sons,  Boreas,  Typhon  and  the  other  winds,  to  toss  the 
ocean.  A  terrible  storm  ensued,  and  the  Trojan  ships  were 
driven  out  of  their  course  towards  the  coast  of  Africa.  They 
were  in  imminent  danger  of  being  wrecked,  and  were  sepa- 
rated, so  that  ^neas  thought  that  all  were  lost  except  his  own. 
At  this  crisis,  Neptune,  hearing  the  storm  raging,  and  know- 
ing that  he  had  given  no  orders  for  one,  raised  his  head  above 
the  waves,  and  saw  the  fleet  of  ^neas  driving  befoi-e  the  gale. 
Knowing  the  hostility  of  Juno,  he  was  at  no  loss  to  account  for 
it,  but  his  anger  was  not  the  less  at  this  interference  in  his 
province.  He  called  the  winds,  and  dismissed  them  with  a 
severe  reprimand.  He  then  soothed  the  waves,  and  brushed 
away  the  clouds  from  before  the  face  of  the  sun.  Some  of  the 
ships  which  had  got  on  the  rocks  he  pried  off  with  his  own 
trident,  while  Triton  and  a  sea-nymph,  putting  their  shoulders 
under  others,  set  them  afloat  again.  The  Trojans,  Avhen  the 
sea  became  calm,  sought  the  nearest  shore,  which  M-as  the  coast 
of  Carthage,  where  ^neas  was  so  happy  as  to  find  that  one  by 
one  the  ships  all  arrived  safe,  though  badly  shaken. 

Waller,  in  his  Panegyric  to  the  Lord  Protector  (Cromwell), 
alludes  to  this  stilling  of  the  storm  by  Neptune  :  — 

"  Above  the  waves,  as  Neptune  showed  his  face, 
'  To  chide  tlie  winds  and  save  the  Trojan  race, 
So  has  your  Highness,  raised  aboye  the  rest. 
Storms  of  ambition  tossing  us  repressed." 


Dido. 

Carthage,  where  the  exiles  had  now  arrived,  Avas  a  spot  on 
the  coast  of  Africa  opposite  Sicily,  where  at  that  time  a  Tyrian 
colony  under  Dido  their  queen,  were  laying  the  foundations  of 
a  state  destined  in  later  ages  to  be  the  rival  of  Kome  itself. 
Dido  Avas  the  daughter  of  Belus,  king  of  Tyre,  and  sister  of 
Pygmalion  who  succeeded  his  father  on  the  throne.  Her  hus- 
band was  Sichaeus,  a  man  of  immense  wealth,  but  Pygmalion, 


DIDO.  319 

who  coveted  his  treasures,  caused  liim  to  be  put  to  death. 
Dido,  with  a  numerous  body  of  followers,  both  men  and 
women,  succeeded  in  effecting  tlieir  escape  from  Tyre  in 
several  vessels,  carrying  Avith  them  the  treasures  of  Sichaeus. 
On  arriving  at  the  spot  which  they  selected  as  the  seat'  of  their 
future  home,  they  asked  of  the  natives  only  so  much  land  as 
they  could  enclose  with  a  bull's  hide.  When  this  was  readily 
granted,  she  caused  the  hide  to  be  cut  into  strips,  and  with 
theni  enclosed  a  spot  on  which  she  built  a  citadel,  and  called  it 
Byrsa  (a  hide).  Around  this  fort  the  city  of  Carthage  rose, 
and  soon  became  a  powerful  and  flourishing  jilace. 

Such  was  the  state  of  affairs  when  ^neas  with  liis  Trojans 
arrived  there.  Dido  received  the  illustrious  exiles  with  friend- 
liness and  hospitality.  "  Not  unacquainted  Avith  distress,"  she 
said,  "  I  have  learned  to  succor  the  unfortunate."  ^  The 
queen's  hospitality  displayed  itself  in  festivities  at  Avhich 
games  of  strength  and  skill  were  exhibited.  The  strangers 
contended  for  the  palm  with  her  own  subjects  on  equal  terms, 
the  queen  declaring  that  whether  the  victor  Avere  "  Trojan  or 
Tyrian  should  make  no  difference  to  her."  *  At  the  feast 
Avhich  folloAved  the  games,  ^neas  gave  at  her  request  a  recital 
of  the  closing  events  of  the  Trojan  history  and  his  OAvn  adven- 
tures after  the  fall  of  the  city.  Dido  Avas  charmed  with  his 
discourse  and  filled  Avith  admiration  of  his  exploits.  She  con- 
ceived an  ardent  passion  for  him,  and  lie  for  his  part  seemed 
Avell  content  to  accept  the  fortunate  chance  which  appeared  to 
offer  him  at  once  a  happy  termination  of  his  Avanderings,  a 
home,  a  kingdom,  and  a  bride.  Months  rolled  aAvay  in  the 
enjoyment  of  pleasant  intercourse,  and  it  seemed  as  if  Italy 
and  the  empire  destined  to  be  founded  on  its  shores  Avere  alike 
forgotten.  Seeing  Avhich,  Jupiter  dispatched  Mercury  with  a 
message  to  ^neas  recalling  him  to  a  sense  of  his  high  destiny, 
and  commanding  him  to  resume  his  voyage. 

JEneas,  under  this  divine  command,  parted  from  Dido, 
though  she  tried  every  allurement  and  persuasion  to  detain 
him.  The  bloAv  to  her  affection  and  her  pride  Avas  too  much 
for  her  to  endure,  and  Avhen  she  found  that  he  Avas  gone,  she 

'  See  Proverbial  Expressions,  page  446. 


320  s'i  PiiES  or  GODS  and  hekoes. 

mounted  a  funeral-pile  which  she  had  caused  to  be  prepared, 
and,  having  stabbed  herself,  was  consumed  with  the  pile.  The 
flames  rising  over  the  city  were  seen  by  the  departing  Trojans, 
and,  though  the  cause  was  unknown,  gave  to  ^neas  some  inti- 
mation of  the  fatal  event. 

We  find  in  "  Elegant  Extracts  "  the  following  epigram :  — 

From  tue  Latin. 

"  Unhappy,  Dido,  was  thy  fato 
In  first  and  second  married  state  ! 
One  husband  caused  thy  flight  by  dying. 
Thy  deatli  the  other  caused  by  flying." 

Dr.  Johnson  was  once  challenged  to  make  an  epigram  on  the 
syllables  di,  do,  dum.     He  immediately  replied  in  these  lines :  — 

"  When  Dido  found  ^neas  would  not  come, 
She  wept  in  silence,  and  was  Dido  dumb. 


Palinurus. 

After  touching  at  the  island  of  Sicily,  where  Acestes,  a  prince 
of  Trojan  lineage,  bore  sway,  who  gave  them  a  hospitable  re- 
ception, the  Trojans  re-embarked,  and  held  on  their  course  for 
Italy.  Venus  now  interceded  with  Neptune  to  allow  her  son 
at  last  to  attain  the  wished-for  goal,  and  find  an  end  of  his 
perils  on  the  deep.  Neptune  consented,  stipulating  only  for 
one  life  as  a  ransom  for  the  rest.  The  victim  was  Palinurus, 
the  pilot.  As  he  sat  watching  the  stars,  with  his  hand  on  the 
helm,  Somnus,  sent  by  Neptune,  aj^proached  in  the  guise  of 
Phorbas  and  said,  "Palinurus,  the  breeze  is  fair,  the  water 
smooth,  and  the  ship  sails  steadily  on  her  course.  Lie  down  a 
while  and  take  needful  rest.  I  will  stand  at  the  helm  in  your 
place."  Palinurus  replied,  "  Tell  me  not  of  smooth  seas  or 
favoring  winds, —  me  who  have  seen  so  much  of  their  treachery. 
Shall  I  trust  ^neas  to  the  chances  of  the  weather  and  winds?" 
And  he  continued  to  grasp  the  helm  and  to  keep  his  eyes  fixed 
on  the  stars.  But  Somnus  waved  over  him  a  brancli  moistened 
with  Lethagan  dew,  and  his  eyes  closed  in  spite  of  all  his  efforts. 


PALINURUS.  321 

Then  Somnus  pushed  him  overboard  and  he  fell ;  but  keeping 
his  hold  upon  the  helm  it  came  away  with  him.  Neptune  was 
mindful  of  his  promise,  and  kept  the  ship  on  her  track  without 
helm  or  pilot,  till  ^neas  discovered  his  loss,  and,  sorrowing 
deeply  for  his  faithful  steersman,  took  charge  of  the  ship  him- 
self. 

There  is  a  beautiful  allusion  to  the  story  of  Palinurus  in 
Scott's  Marmion,  Introduction  to  Canto  I.,  where  the  poet, 
speaking  of  the  recent  death  of  William  Pitt,  says  :  — 

"  Oh,  think  how.  to  his  latest  day, 

When  death  just  hovering-  claimed  his  prey, 

With  Palinure's  unaltered  mood. 

Firm  at  his  dangerous  post  he  stood; 

Each  call  for  needful  rest  repelled, 

With  dying  hand  the  rudder  held. 

Till  in  iiis  fall,  with  fateful  sway, 

The  steerage  of  the  realm  gave  way." 

The  ships  at  last  reached  the  shores  of  Italy,  and  joyfidly 
did  the  adventurer^  leap  to  land.  While  his  people  were  eni- 
])loyed  in  making  their  encampment  ^neas  sought  the  abode 
of  the  Sibyl.  It  was  a  cave  connected  Avith  a  temple  and  grove, 
sacred  to  Apollo  and  Diana.  While  yEneas  contemplated  the 
scene,  the  Sibyl  accosted  him.  She  seemed  to  know  his  errand, 
and  under  the  influence  of  the  deity  of  the  place  burst  forth  in 
a  prophetic  strain,  giving  dark  intimations  of  labors  and  perils 
through  which  he  was  destined  to  make  his  way  to  final  success. 
She  closed  with  the  encouraging  words  which  have  become 
proverbial :  "  Yield  not  to  disasters,  but  press  onward  the 
more  bravely."  ^  ^neas  replied  that  he  had  prepared  himself 
for  whatever  might  await  him.  He  had  but  one  request  to 
make.  Having  been  directed  in  a  dream  to  seek  the  abode  of 
the  dead  in  order  to  confer  with  his  father  Anchises  to  receive 
from  him  a  revelation  of  his  future  fortunes  and  those  of  his 
race,  he  asked  her  assistance  to  enable  him  to  accomplish  the 
task.  The  Sibyl  replied,  "The  descent  to  Avernus  is  easy; 
the  gate  of  Pluto  stands  open  night  and  day ;  but  to  retrace 
one's  steps  and  return  to  the  upper  air,  that  is  the  toil,  t'lat  the 

'  See  Proverbial  Expressions,  page  446. 


/'I 

322  STOtaES   OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

difficulty.^  She  instructed  liim  to  seek  in  tlie  forest  a  tree  on 
wliich  grew  a  golden  branch.  This  branch  was  to  be  plucked 
off,  to  be  borne  as  a  gift  to  Proserpine,  and  if  fate  was  propi- 
tious, it  would  yield  to  the  hand  and  quit  its  parent  trunk,  but 
otherwise  no  force  could  rend  it  away.  If  torn  away  another 
would  succeed.^ 

^neas  followed  the  directions  of  the  Sibyl.  His  mother 
Venus  sent  two  of  her  doves  to  fly  before  him  and  show  him 
the  way,  and  by  their  assistance  he  found  the  tree,  plucked  the 
branch,  and  hastened  back  with  it  to  the  Sibyl. 

'  Sec  Proverbial  Expressions,  page  446. 


CHAPTER   XXV. 


THE  INFERNAL  REGIONS.  — THE  SIBYL. 


AS  at  the  commencement  of  our  series  we  have  given  the 
pagan  account  of  the  creation  of  the  Avorld,  so  as  we 
approach  its  conclusion,  we  present  a  view  of  the  regions  of 
the  dead,  depicted  by  one  of  their  most  enlightened  poets, 
Avlio  drew  his  doctrines  from  their  most  esteemed  philosophers. 
The  region  where  Virgil  places  the  entrance  into  this  abode, 
is  i)erhaps  the  most  strikingly  adapted  to  excite  ideas  of  the 
terrific  and  preternatural  of  any  on  the  face  of  the  earth.  It 
is  the  volcanic  region  near  Vesuvius,  where  the  whole  country 
is  cleft  with  chasms  from  which  sulphurous  flames  arise,  while 
the  ground  is  shaken  with  pent-up  vapors,  and  mysterious 
sounds  issue  from  the  bowels  of  the  earth.  The  lake  Avernus 
is  supposed  to  fill  the  crater  of  an  extinct  volcano.  It  is  cir- 
cular, half  a  mile  wide,  and  very  deep,  surrounded  by  high 
banks,  which  in  Virgil's  time  were  covered  with  a  gloomy 
forest.  Mephitic  vapors  rise  from  its  waters,  so  that  no  life  is 
found  on  its  banks,  and  no  birds  fly  over  it.  Here,  according 
to  the  poet,  was  the  cave  which  afforded  access  to  the  infernal 

(323) 


324  STORIES    OF    GODS    AXD    HEROES. 

regions,  and  here  ^neas  offered  sacrifices  to  the  infernal  deities, 
Pi'oserpine,  Hecate,  and  the  Furies.  Then  a  roaring  was  lieard 
in  the  earth,  the  Avoods  on  the  hill-tops  Avere  shaken,  and  the 
hoAvling  of  dogs  announced  the  ap])roach  of  the  deities. 
"  NoAV, "  said  the  Sibyl,  "  summon  up  your  courage,  for  you  Avill 
need  it."  She  descended  into  the  cave,  and  -^neas  follo\A'ed. 
Before  the  threshold  of  Hades  they  passed  through  a  grou])  of 
beings  AA'ho  are  Griefs  and  aA-enging  Cares,  pale  Diseases  and 
melancholy  Age,  Fear  and  Hunger  that  tempt  to  crime,  Toil, 
Poverty,  and  Death,  forms  horrible  to  vieA\\  The  Furies 
spread  their  couches  there,  and  Discord,  whose  hair  was 
of  vipers  tied  up* with  a  bloody  fillet.  Here  also  Avere  the 
monsters,  Briareus  Avith  his  hundred  arms.  Hydras  hissing,  and 
Chimasras  breathing  fire,  ^neas  shuddered  at  the  sight,  drcAV 
liis  sAvord  and  Avould  have  struck,  had  not  the  Sibyl  restrained 
him.  They  then  came  to  the  black  river  Cocytus,  Avhere  they 
found  the  ferryman,  Charon,  old  and  squalid,  but  strong  and 
A'igorous,  Avho  was  receiving  passengers  of  all  kinds  into  his 
boat,  high-souled  heroes,  boys  and  unmarried  girls  as  numerous 
as  the  leaves  that  fall  at  autumn,  or  the  flocks  that  fly  south- 
Avard  at  the  approach  of  Avinter.  They  stood  pressing  for  a 
passage,  and  longing  to  touch  the  opposite  shore.  But  the 
stern  ferryman  took  in  only  such  as  he  chose,  driving  the  rest 
back,  ^neas,  Avondering  at  the  sight,  asked  the  Sibyl,  "  Why 
this  discrimination  ?  "  She  ansAvered,  "  Those  who  are  taken 
on  board  the  bark  are  the  souls  of  those  who  have  received  due 
burial  rites ;  the  host  of  others  AA^ho  have  remained  unburied, 
are  not  permitted  to  pass  the  flood,  but  Avander  a  hundred 
years,  and  flit  to  and  fro  about  the  shore,  till  at  last  they  are 
taken  OA^er. "  ^Eneas  grieved  at  recollecting  some  of  his  oavu 
companions  Avho  had  perished  in  the  stoi'm.  At  that  moment 
lie  beheld  Palinurus,  his  pilot,  Avho  fell  overboard  and  Avas 
droAA'ned.  He  addressed  him  and  asked  liim  the  cause  of  his 
misfortune,  Palinurus  replied  that  the  rudder  Avas  carried 
aAvay,  and  he,  clinging  to  it,  was  SAvept  aAvay  Avith  it.  He  be- 
sought ^neas  most  urgently  to  extend  to  him  his  hand  and 
take  him  in  company  to  the  opposite  shore.  But  the  Sibyl 
rebuked  him  for  the  wish  thus  to  transo^ress  the  laAvs  of  Pluto, 


THE  INFERNAL  REGIONS.  325 

but  consoled  him  by  informing  him  that  the  people  of  the  shore 
where  his  body  had  been  wafted  by  the  waves,  should  be 
stirred  up  by  the  prodigies  to  give  it  the  burial,  and  that  the 
l)romontory  should  bear  the  name  of  Cape  Palinurus,  which  it 
does  to  this  day.  Leaving  Palinurus  consoled  by  these  words, 
they  approached  the  boat.  Charon,  fixing  his  eyes  sternly 
upon  the  advancing  warrior,  demanded  by  what  right  he, 
living  and  armed,  approached  the  shore.  To  which  the  Sibyl 
replied  that  they  would  commit  no  violence,  that  ^^neas's  only 
object  Avas  to  see  his  father,  and  finally  exhibited  the  golden 
branch,  at  sight  of  Avhich  Charon's  wrath  relaxed,  and  lie 
made  haste  to  turn  his  back  to  the  shore,  and  receive  them  on 
board.  The  boat,  adapted  only  to  the  light  freight  of  bodiless 
spirits,  groaned  under  the  weight  of  the  hero.  They  were  soon 
conveyed  to  the  opposite  shore.  There  they  were  encountered 
by  the  three-headed  dog  Cerberus,  with  his  necks  bristling 
with  snakes.  He  barked  with  all  his  three  throats  till  the  Sibyl 
threw  him  a  medicated  cake,  which  he  eagerly  devoured,  and 
then  stretched  himself  out  in  his  den  and  fell  asleep,  ^neas 
and  the  Sibyl  sprang  to  land.  The  first  sound  that  struck  their 
ears  was  the  -wailing  of  young  children,  who  had  died  on  the 
threshold  of  life,  and  near  to  these  were  they  who  had  perished 
under  false  charges.  Minos  presides  over  them  as  judge,  and 
examines  the  deeds  of  each.  The  next  class  was  of  those  who 
had  died  by  their  own  hand,  hating  life  and  seeking  refuge  in 
death.  Oh,  how  Avillingly  would  they  now  endure  poverty, 
labor,  and  any  other  infliction,  if  they  might  but  return  to  life ! 
Next  were  situated  the  regions  of  sadness,  divided  off  into 
retired  paths,  leading  through  groves  of  myrtle.  Here  roamed 
those  who  had  fallen  victims  to  unrequited  love,  not  freed  from 
pain  even  by  death  itself.  Among  these,  ^neas  thought  he 
descried  the  form  of  Dido,  with  a  wound  still  recent.  In  the 
dim  light  he  was  for  a  moment  uncertain,  but  approaching  per- 
ceived it  was  indeed  herself.  Tears  fell  from  his  eyes,  and  he 
addressed  her  in  the  accents  of  love.  "  Unhappy  Dido !  was 
then  the  rumor  true  that  you  had  perished  ?  and  was  I,  alas ! 
the  cause !  I  call  the  gods  to  witness  that  my  departure  from 
you  was  reluctant,  and  in  obedience  to  the  commands  of  Jove ; 


326  STORIES    OF    GODS    AXD    HEROES. 

nor  could  I  believe  that  my  absence  would  have  cost  you  so 
dear.  Stop,  I  beseech  you,  and  refuse  me  not  a  last  farewell." 
She  stood  for  a  moment  with  averted  countenance,  and  eyes 
fixed  on  the  ground,  and  then  silently  passed  on,  as  insensible 
to  his  pleadings  as  a  rock.  ^Eneas  followed  for  some  distance ; 
then,  with  a  heavy  heart,  rejoined  his  companion  and  resumed 
his  route. 

They  next  entered  the  fields  Avhere  roam  the  heroes  who  have 
fallen  in  battle.  Here  they  saw  many  shades  of  Grecian  and 
Trojan  warriors.  The  Trojans  thronged  around  him,  and 
could  not  be  satisfied  Avith  the  sight.  They  asked  the  cause  of 
his  coming,  and  plied  him  with  innumerable  questions.  But 
the  Greeks,  at  the  sight  of  his  armor  glittering  through  the 
murky  atmosphere,  recognized  the  hero,  and  filled  Avith  terror 
turned  their  backs  and  fled,  as  they  used  to  flee  on  the  plains 
of  Troy. 

^neas  would  have  lingered  long  with  his  Trojan  friends 
but  the  Sibyl  hurried  him  away.  They  next  came  to  a  place 
where  the  road  divided,  the  one  leading  to  Elysium,  the  other 
to  the  regions  of  the  condemned.  iEneas  beheld  on  one  side 
the  walls  of  a  mighty  city,  around  which  Phlegethon  rolled  its 
fiery  waters.  Before  him  was  the  gate  of  adamant  that  neither 
gods  nor  men  can  break  through.  An  iron  tower  stood  by  tlie 
gate,  on  which  Tisiphone,  the  avenging  Fury,  kept  guard. 
From  the  city  were  heard  groans,  and  the  sound  of  the  scourge, 
the  creaking  of  iron,  and  the  clanking  of  chains,  ^neas,  hor- 
ror-struck, inquired  of  his  guide  what  crimes  were  those 
whose  punishments  produced  the  sounds  he  heard?  The 
Sibyl  answered,  "  Here  is  the  judgment-hall  of  Ehadaman- 
thus,  who  brings  to  light  crimes  done  in  life,  which  tlie 
perpetrator  vainly  thought  impenetrably  hid.  Tisiphone  ap- 
plies her  whip  of  scorpions,  and  delivers  the  offender  over 
to  her  sister  Furies.  At  this  moment  with  horrid  clang  the 
brazen  gates  unfolded,  and  ^neas  saw  within,  a  Hydra  with 
fifty  heads,  guarding  the  entrance.  The  Sibyl  told  him  that 
the  gulf  of  Tartarus  descended  deep,  so  that  its  recesses  Avere 
as  far  beneath  their  feet  as  heaven  Avas  high  above  their  heads. 
In  the  bottom  of  this  int,  the  Titan  race,  Avho  AAMrred  against 


THE  INFERNAL  REGIONS.  S27 

tlic  ^ods,  lie  prostrate  ;  Salmoneus,  also,  who  presumed  to  vie 
Avith  Jupiter,  and  built  a  bridge  of  brass  over  which  he  clro\e 
his  chariot  that  the  sound  might  resemble  thunder,  launching 
flaming  brands  at  his  people  in  imitation  of  lightning,  till  Jupi- 
ter struck  him  with  a  real  thunderbolt,  and  taught  him  the 
difference  between  mortal  weapons  and  divine,  Here,  also,  is 
Tityus,  the  giant,  whose  form  is  so  immense  that  as  he  lies,  he 
stretches  over  nine  acres,  while  a  vulture  preys  upon  his  liver, 
which  as  fast  as  it  is  devoured  grows  again,  so  that  his  punish- 
ment will  have  no  end. 

^neas  saw  groups  seated  at  tables  loaded  wdth  dainties, 
while  near  by  stood  a  Fury  who  snatclied  away  the  viands  from 
their  lips,  as  fast  as  they  prepared  to  taste  them.  Others  beheld 
suspended  over  their  heads  liuge  rocks,  threatening  to  fall,  keep- 
ing them  in  a  state  of  constant  alarm.  These  were  they  who 
had  hated  their  brothers,  or  struck  their  parents,  or  defrauded 
the  friends  who  trusted  them,  or  who  having  grown  rich,  kej^t 
their  money  to  themselves,  and  gave  no  share  to  others ;  the 
last  being  the  most  numerous  class.  Here  also  were  those  who 
had  violated  the  marriage  vow,  or  fought  in  a  bad  cause,  or 
failed  in  fidelity  to  their  employers.  Here  was  one  who  had 
sold  his  country  for  gold,  another  who  perverted  the  laws, 
making  thera  say  one  thing  to-day  and  another  to-morrow\ 

Ixion  was  there  fastened  to  the  circumference  of  a  wheel, 
ceaselessly  revolving ;  and  Sisyphus,  whose  task  was  to  roll  a 
huge  stone  up  to  a  hill-top,  but  when  the  steep  was  well-nigh 
gained,  the  rock,  repulsed  by  some  sudden  force,  rushed  again 
headlong  down  to  the  plain.  Again  he  toiled  at  it,  while  the 
sweat  bathed  all  his  weary  limbs,  but  all  to  no  effect.  There 
was  Tantalus,  who  stood  in  a  pool,  his  chin  level  with  the 
water,  yeL  he  was  parched  with  thirst,  and  found  nothing  to 
assuage  it ;  for  when  he  bowed  his  hoary  head,  eager  to  quaff, 
the  Avater  fled  away,  leaving  the  ground  at  his  feet  all  dry. 
Tnll  trees  laden  with  fruit  stooped  their  heads  to  him,  pears, 
pomegranates,  apples  and  luscious  figs ;  but  Avhen  Avith  a  sud- 
den grasp  he  tried  to  seize  them,  Avinds  Avhirled  them  high 
above  his  reach. 

The  Sibyl  now  warned  ^neas  that  it  was  time  to  turn  from 


328  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

these  melancholy  regions  and  seek  the  city  of  the  blessed.  They 
passed  through  a  middle  tract  of  darkness,  and  came  upon  the 
Elysian  fields,  the  groves  where  the  happy  reside.  They 
breathed  a  freer  air,  and  saw  all  objects  clothed  in  a  purple 
light.  The  region  has  a  sun  and  stars  of  its  own.  The  inhab- 
itants were  enjoying  themselves  in  A^arious  ways,  some  in  sports 
on  the  grassy  turf,  in  games  of  strength  or  skill,  others  dancing 
or  singing.  Orpheus  struck  the  chords  of  his  lyre,  and  called 
forth  ravishing  sounds.  Here  ^neas  saw  the  founders  of  the 
Trojan  state,  high-souled  heroes  Avho  lived  in  happier  times. 
He  gazed  with  admiration  on  the  war-chariots  and  glittering 
arms  now  reposing  in  disuse.  Spears  stood  fixed  in  the  ground, 
and  the  horses,  unharnessed,  roamed  over  the  plain.  The  same 
])ride  in  splendid  arinor  and  generous  steeds  which  the  old 
heroes  felt  in  life,  accompanied  them  here.  He  saw  another 
group  feasting,  and  listening  to  the  strains  of  music.  They 
were  in  a  laurel  grove,  Avhence  the  great  river  Po  has  its  origin, 
and  flows  out  among  men.  Here  dwelt  those  who  fell  by 
wounds  received  in  their  country's  cause,  holy  priests,  also,  and 
poets  who  have  uttered  thoughts  worthy  of  Apollo,  and  others 
who  have  contributed  to  cheer  and  adorn  life  by  their  dis- 
coveries in  the  useful  arts,  and  have  made  their  memory  blessed 
by  rendering  service  to  mankind.  They  wore  snow-white 
fillets  about  their  brows.  The  Sibyl  addressed  a  group  of 
these,  and  inquired  where  Anchises  was  to  be  found.  They 
were  directed  Avhere  to  seek  him,  and  soon  found  him  in  a 
verdant  valley,  where  he  was  contemplating  the  ranks  of  his 
posterity,  their  destinies  and  worthy  deeds  to  be  achieved  in 
coming  times.  When  he  recognized  ^neas  approaching,  he 
stretched  out  both  hands  to  him,  while  tears  flowed  freely. 
"  Have  you  come  at  last,"  said  he,  "  long  expected  and  do  I 
behold  you  after  such  perils  i)ast?  O  my  son,  how  have  I 
trembled  for  you  as  I  have  watched  your  career !  "  To  which 
^Eneas  replied,  "O  father!  your  image  was  always  before  me 
to  guide  and  guard  me."  Then  he  endeavored  to  enfold  his 
father  in  his  embrace,  but  his  arms  enclosed  only  an  unsubstan- 
tial image. 

^neas  perceived  before  him  a  spacious  valley,  with  trees 


THE  INFERNAL  REGIONS.  329 

gently  Weaving  to  the  wind,  a  tranquil  landscape,  through  which 
the  river  Lethe  flowed.  Along  the  banks  of  the  stream  wan- 
dered a  countless  multitude,  numerous  as  insects  in  the  summer 
air.  ^neas,  with  surprise,  inquired  who  were  these.  Anchises 
answered,  "  They  are  souls  to  which  bodies  are  to  be  given  in 
due  time.  Meanwhile  they  dwell  on  Lethe's  bank,  and  drink 
oblivion  of  their  former  lives."  "  Oh,  father !  "  said  ^neas, 
"is  it  possible  that  any  can  be  so  in  love  with  life,  as  to 
wish  to  leave  these  tranquil  seats  for  the  upper  world?" 
Anchises  replied  by  explaining  the  plan  of  creation.  The 
Creator,  he  told  him,  originally  made  the  material  of  which 
souls  are  composed,  of  the  four  elements,  fire,  air,  earth, 
and  water,  all  which,  when  united,  took  the  form  of  the  most 
excellent  part,  fire,  and  became  flame.  This  material  was 
scattered  like  seed  among  the  heavenly  bodies,  the  sun,  moon, 
and  stars.  Of  this  seed  the  inferior  gods  created  man  and  all 
other  animals,  mingling  it  with  various  proportions  of  earth, 
by  which  its  purity  was  alloyed  and  reduced.  Thus  the  more 
earth  predominates  in  the  composition,  the  less  pure  is  the 
individual ;  and  we  see  men  and  women  with  their  full-grown 
bodies  have  not  the  purity  of  childhood.  So  in  proportion  to 
the  time  which  the  union  of  body  and  soul  has  lasted,  is  the 
impurity  contracted  by  the  spiritual  part.  This  irrijDurity  must 
be  purged  away  after  death,  which  is  done  by  ventilating  the 
souls  in  the  curirent  of  winds,  or  merging  them  in  water, 
or  burning  out  their  impurities  by  fire.  Some  few,  of  whom 
Anchises  intimates  that  he  is  one,  are  admitted  at  once  to 
Elysium,  there  to  remain.  But  the  rest,  after  the  impurities 
of  earth  are  purged  away,  are  sent  back  to  life  endowed  with 
new  bodies,  having  had  the  remembrance  of  their  former  lives 
effectually  washed  away  by  the  waters  of  Lethe.  Some,  how- 
ever, there  still  are,  so  thoroughly  corrupted,  that  they  are  not 
fit  to  be  entrusted  with  human  bodies,  and  these  are  made  into 
brute  animals,  lions,  tigers,  cats,  dogs,  monkeys,  etc.  This  is 
what  the  ancients  called  Metempsychosis,  or  the  transmigration 
of  souls;  a  doctrine  which  is  still  held  by  the  natives  of  India, 
who  scruple  to  destroy  the  life,  even  of  the  most  insignificant 


330  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

animal,  not  knowing  but  it  may  be  one  of  their  relations  in  an 
altered  form. 

Anchises,  liaving  explained  so  much,  proceeded  to  point  out 
to  ^neas  individuals  of  his  race,  who  were  hereafter  to  be 
born,  and  to  relate  to  him  the  exploits  they  should  perform  in 
the  world.  After  this  he  reverted  to  the  present,  and  told  his 
son  of  the  events  that  remained  to  him  to  be  accomplished 
l)eiore  the  complete  establishment  of  himself  and  his  followers 
in  Italy.  Wars  were  to  be  waged,  battles  fought,  a  bride  to 
be  won,  and  in  the  result  a  Trojan  state  founded,  from  which 
shoulil  rise  the  Roman  power,  to  be  in  time  the  covereign  of  the 
world. 

^neas  and  the  Sybil  then  took  leave  of  Anchises,  and  re- 
turned by  some  short  cut,  wliich  the  poet  does  not  ex])]ain,  to 
the  upper  world. 

The  Egyptian  name  of  Hades  was  Amenti.  In  the  Revision 
of  the  Scriptures  the  Revising  Commission  has  substituted  the 
word  Hades  Avhere  "hell"  was  used  in  the  version  of  King 
James. 

f 

Elysium, 

Virgil,  we  have  seen,  places  his  Elysium  under  the  earth, 
and  assigns  it  for  a  residence  to  the  spirits  of  the  blessed.  But 
in  Homer  Elysium  forms  no  part  of  tlie  realms  of  the  dead. 
He  places  it  on  the  west  of  the  earth,  near  Ocean,  and  describes 
it  as  a  happy  land,  Avhere  there  is  neither  snow,  nor  cold,  nor 
rain,  and  always  fanned  by  the  delightful  breezes  of  Zephyrus. 
Hither  favored  heroes  pass  without  dying,  and  live  happy  under 
the  rule  of  Rhadamanthus.  The  Elysium  of  Hesiod  and  Pindar 
is  *in  the  Isles  of  the  Blessed,  or  Fortunate  Islands,  in  the 
Western  Ocean.  From  these  sprang  the  legend  of  the  happy 
island  Atlantis.  This  blissful  region  may  have  been  wholly 
imaginary,  but  possibly  may  have  sprung  from  the  reports  of 
some  storm-driven  mariners  who  had  caught  a  glimpse  of  the 
coast  of  America. 


THE    SIBYL.  331 

James  I\ussg11  Lowell,  in  one  of  his  shorter  poeras,  claims 
for  the  2"»i'esent  age  some  of  the  privileges  of  that  happy  realm. 
Addressing  the  Past,  he  says,  — 

"  Whatever  of  true  life  there  was  in  thee, 
Leaps  in  our  age's  veins. 


"  Here,  'mid  the  bleak  waves  of  our  strife  and  care, 
Float  the  green  'Fortunate  Isles,' 
Where  all  thy  hero-spirits  dwell  and  share 
Our  martyrdoms  and  toils. 
The  present  moves  attended 
With  all  of  bi-ave  and  excellent  and  fair 
That  made  the  old  time  splendid." 

Milton  alludes  to  the  same  fable  in  Paradise  Lost,  Book  IIL, 
1.  5GS. 

"  Like  those  Hesperian  gardens  famed  of  old. 
Fortunate  fields  and  groves  and  flowery  vales. 
Thrice  happy  isles." 

And  in  Book  II.  he  characterizes  the  rivers  of  Erehiis 
according  to  the  meaning  of  their  names  in  the  Greek  lan- 
guage :  — 

"Abhorred  Styx,  the  flood  of  deadly  hate. 
Sad  Acheron  of  soitow  black  and  deep ; 
Cocj'tus  named  of  lamentation  loud 
Heard  on  the  rueful  stream  ;  fierce  Phlegethon 
Whose  waves  of  torrent  fire  inflame  with  rage. 
Far  off  from  these  a  slow  and  silent  stream, 
Lethe,  the  river  of  oblivion,  roUs 
Her  watery  labyrinth,  whereof  who  drinks 
Forthwith  his  former  state  and  being  forgets. 
Forgets  both  joy  and  grief,  pleasure  and  pain." 


The  Sibyl. 

As  ^neas  and  the  Sibyl  pursued  their  way  back  to  earth,  he 
said  to  her,  "  Whether  thou  be  a  goddess  or  a  mortal  beloved 
by  the  gods,  by  me  thou  shalt  always  be  held  in  reverence. 
When  I  reach  the  upper  air,  I  Avill  cause  a  temple  to  be  built 
to  thy  honor,  and  will  myself  bring  offerings."  "I  am  no  god- 
dess," said  the  Sibyl ;  "  I  have  no  claim  to  sacrifice  or  offering. 
I  am  mortal ;  yet  if  I  could  have  accepted  the  love  of  Apollo, 


332  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEEOES. 

I  might  have  been  immortal.  He  promised  me  the  fulfihiieiit 
of  my  wish,  if  I  would  consent  to  be  his.  I  took  a  handful  of 
sand,  and  holding  it  forth,  said,  '  Grant  me  to  see  as  many 
birthdays  as  there  are  sand-grains  in  my  hand.'  Unluckily  I 
forgot  to  ask  for  enduring  youth.  This  also  he  -would  have 
granted,  could  I  have  accejited  his  love,  but  offended  at  my 
refusal,  he  allowed  me  to  grow  old.  My  youth  and  youthful 
strength  fled  long  ago.  I  have  lived  seven  hundred  years,  and 
to  equal  the  number  of  the  sand-grains,  I  have  still  to  see  three 
hundred  springs  and  three  hundred  harvests.  My  body  shrinks 
up  as  years  increase,  and  in  time,  I  shall  be  lost  to  sight, 
but  my  voice  will  remain,  and  future  ages  will  respect  my 
sayings." 

These  concluding  words  of  the  Sibyl  alluded  to  her  prophetic 
power.  In  her  cave  she  was  accustomed  to  inscribe  on  leaves 
gathered  from  the  trees  the  names  and  fates  of  individuals. 
The  leaves  thus  inscribed  were  arranged  in  order  within  the 
cave,  and  might  be  consulted  by  her  votaries.  But  if  per- 
chance at  the  opening  of  the  door  the  wind  rushed  in  and 
dispersed  the  leaves,  the  Sibyl  gave  no  aid  to  restoring  them 
again,  and  the  oracle  was  irreparably  lost. 

The  following  legend  of  the  Sibyl  is  fixed  at  a  later  date. 
In  the  reign  of  one  of  the  Tarquins  there  appeared  before  the 
king  a  woman  who  offered  him  nine  books  for  sale.  The  king 
refused  to  purchase  them,  Avliereupon  the  woman  went  away 
and  burned  three  of  the  books,  and  returning  offered  the  re- 
maining books  for  the  same  price  she  had  asked  for  the  nine. 
The  king  again  rejected  them;  but  when  the  woman,  after 
burning  three  books  more,  returned  and  asked  for  the  three 
remaining  the  same  price  which  she  had  before  asked  for  the 
nine,  his  curiosity  was  excited,  and  he  purchased  the  books. 
They  were  found  to  contain  the  destinies  of  the  Roman  state. 
They  were  kept  in  the  temple  of  Jupiter  Capitolinus,  preserved 
in  a  stone  chest,  and  alloAved  to  be  inspected  only  by  especial 
oflicers  appointed  for  that  duty,  who  on  great  occasions  con- 
sulted them  and  interpreted  their  oracles  to  the  people. 

There  were  various  Sibyls ;  but  the  Cumsean  Sibyl,  of  whom 
Ovid  and  Virgil  write,  is  the  most  celebrated  of  them.     Ovid's 


THE    SIBYL.  333 

Story  of  licr  life  protracted  to  one  thousand  years  may  be  in- 
tended to  represent  the  various  Sibyls  as  being  only  reappear- 
ances of  one  and  the  same  individual. 

It  is  now  believed  that  some  of  the  most  distinguished  Sibyls 
took  the  inspiration  of  their  oracles  from  the  Jewish  scripture. 
Keaders  interested  in  this  subject  will  consult  "Judaism,"  by 
Prof.  F.  Huidekoper. 

Young,  in  the  Night  Thoughts,  alludes  to  the  Sibyl.  Speak- 
ing of  Worldly  Wisdom,  he  says :  — 

"  If  future  fate  she  plans  'tis  all  in  leaves, 
Like  Sibyl,  unsubstantial,  fleetinjj:  bliss; 
At  the  first  blast  it  vanishes  in  air. 

As  worldly  schemes  resemble  Sibyl's  leaves. 
The  good  man's  days  to  Sibyl's  books  compare, 
The  price  still  risinji^  as  in  number  less." 


CHAPTER   XXVI. 


CAMILLA. 


EVANDER.  —  XISUS    AND    EURYALUS.  —  MEZEN- 
TIUS.  — TURNUS. 


Tfj^NEAS,  having  parted  from  the  Sibyl  and  rejoined  his 
^-L^  fleet,  coasted  along  the  shores  of  Italy  and  east  anchor 
in  the  mouth  of  the  Tiber.  The  poet  Virgil,  having  brought 
his  hero  to  this  spot,  the  destined  termination  of  his  wander- 
ings, invokes  his  Muse  to  tell  him  the  situation  of  things  at 
that  eventful  moment.  Latinus,  third  in  descent  from  Saturn, 
ruled  the  country.     lie  was  now  old  and  had  no  male  descend- 

(334) 


THE    ^ENEID.  335 

ant,  but  had  one  charming  daughter,  Lavinia,  who  was  sought 
in  marriage  by  many  neighboring  chiefs,  one  of  whom,  Turnus, 
king  of  tlie  Rutulians,  was  favored  by  the  wishes  of  her  parents. 
But  Latinus  had  been  warned  in  a  dream  by  his  father  Faunus, 
that  the  destined  husband  of  Lavinia  should  come  from  a 
foreign  land.  From  that  union  should  spring  a  race  destined 
to  subdue  the  world. 

Our  readers  will  remember  that  in  the  conflict  with  the 
Harpies,  one  of  those  half-human  birds  had  threatened  the 
Trojans  with  dire  sufferings.  In  particular  she  predicted  that 
before  their  wanderings  ceased  tliey  should  be  pressed  by 
hunger  to  devour  their  tables.  This  portent  now  came  true ; 
for  as  they  took  their  scanty  meal,  seated  on  the  gTass,  the 
men  placed  their  hard  biscuit  on  their  laps,  and  put  thereon 
whatever  their  gleanings  in  the  woods  supplied.  Having  dis- 
patched the  latter  they  finished  by  eating  the  crusts.  Seeing 
which,  the  boy  lulus  said  playfully,  "See,  we  are  eating  our 
tables."  ^neas  caught  the  words  and  accepted  the  omen. 
"All  hail,  promised  land !"  he  exclaimed,  "this  is  our  home, 
this  our  country ! "  He  then  took  measures  to  find  out  who 
Avere  the  present  inhabitants  of  the  land,  and  who  their  rulers. 
A  hundred  chosen  men  were  sent  to  the  village  of  Latinus, 
bearing  presents  and  a  request  for  friendship  and  alliance. 
They  went  and  were  favorably  received.  Latinus  immediately 
concluded  that  the  Trojan  hero  Avas  no  other  than  the  promised 
son-in-laAV  announced  by  the  oracle.  He  cheerfully  granted 
his  alliance  and  sent  back  the  messengers  mounted  on  steeds 
from  his  stables,  and  loaded  with  gifts  and  friendly  messages. 

Juno,  seeing  things  go  thus  prosperously  for  the  Trojans, 
felt  her  old  animosity  revive,  summoned  the  Fury  Alecto  from 
Erebus,  and  sent  her  to  stir  up  discord.  The  Fury  first  took 
possession  of  the  queen,  Amata,  and  roused  her  to  oppose  in 
every  way  the  new  alliance.  Alecto  then  sped  to  the  city  of 
Turnus,  and  assuming  the  form  of  an  old  priestess,  informed 
him  of  the  arrival  of  the  foreigners  and  of  the  attempts  of  their 
prince  to  rob  him  of  his  bride.  Next  she  turned  her  attention 
to  the  camp  of  the  Trojans.  There  she  saw  the  boy  lulus  and 
his  companions  amusing  themselves  Avith  hunting.     She  sharp- 


336  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

ened  the  scent  of  the  dogs,  and  led  them  to  rouse  up  from  the 
thicket  a  tame  stag,  the  favorite  of  Silvia,  the  daughter  of 
Tyrrheus,  the  king's  herdsman.  A  javelin  from  the  hand  of 
lulus  wounded  the  animal,  and  he  had  only  strength  left  to 
run  homewards,  and  died  at  his  mistress'  feet.  Her  cries  and 
tears  roused  her  brothers  and  the  herdsmen,  and  they,  seizing 
whatever  weapons  came  to  hand,  furiously  assaulted  the  hunting 
party.  These  were  protected  by  their  friends,  and  the  herdsmen 
were  finally  driven  back  with  the  loss  of  two  of  their  number. 

These  things  were  enough  to  rouse  the  storm  of  war,  and  the 
queen,  Turnus,  and  the  peasants,  all  urged  the  old  king  to 
drive  the  strangers  from  the  country.  He  resisted  as  long  as 
he  could,  but  finding  his  opposition  unavailing,  finally  gave 
way  and  retreated  to  his  retirement. 

Opexing  the  Gates  of  Janus. 

It  was  the  custom  of  the  country,  when  war  was  to  be  un- 
dertaken, for  the  chief  magistrate,  clad  in  his  robes  of  office, 
with  solemn  pomp  to  open  the  gates  of  the  temple  of  Janus, 
which  were  kept  shut  as  long  as  peace  endured.  His  people 
now  urged  the  old  king  to  perform  that  solemn  office,  but  he 
refused  to  do  so.  While  they  contested,  Juno  herself,  descend- 
ing from  the  skies,  smote  the  doors  with  irresistible  force  and 
burst  them  open.  Immediately  the  whole  country  was  in  a 
flame.  The  people  rushed  from  every  side  breathing  nothing 
but  war. 

Turnus  Avas  recognized  by  all  as  leader ;  others  joined  as 
allies,  chief  of  whom  was  Mezentius,  a  brave  and  able  soldier, 
but  of  detestable  cruelty.  He  had  been  the  chief  of  one  of  the 
neighboring  cities,  but  his  people  drove  him  out.  With  him  Avas' 
joined  his  son  Lausus,  a  generous  youth  worthy  of  a  better  sire. 

Camilla. 

Camilla,  the  favorite  of  Diana,  a  huntress  and  warrior,  after 
the  fashion  of  the  Amazons,  came  with  her  band  of  mounted 
followers,  including  a  select  number  of  her  own  sex,  and  ranged 
herself  on  the  side  of  Turnus.  This  maiden  had  never  accus- 
tomed her  fingers  to  the  distaff  or  the  loom,  but  had  learned 


337 


to  endure  the  toils  of  war,  and  in  speed  to  outstrip  the  wind. 
It  seemed  as  if  she  might  run  over  the  standing  corn  without 
crushing  it,  or  over  the  surface  of  the  water  without  dipping 
her  feet.  Camilla's  history  had  been  singular  from  the  begin- 
ning. Her  father,  Metabus,  driven  from  his  city  by  civil  dis- 
cord, carried  with  him  in  his  flight  his  infant  daughter.  As  he 
fled  through  the  woods,  his  enemies  in  hot 
pursuit,  he  reached  the  bank  of  the  river 
Amazenus,  which,  swelled  by  rains,  seemed 
to  debar  a  passage.  He  paused  for  a  mo- 
ment, then  decided  what  to  do.  He  tied 
the  infant  to  his  lance  Avith  wrappers  of 
bark,  and,  poising  the  weapon  in  his  up- 
raised hand,  thus  addressed  Diana:  "God- 
dess of  the  Avoods  !  I  consecrate  this  maid 
to  you  ; "  then  hurled  the  Aveapon  Avith  its 
burden  to  the  opposite  bank.  The  spear 
flcAv  across  the  roaring  Avater.  His  pursuers 
Avere  already  upon  him,  but  he  plunged 
into  the  river  and  swam  across,  and  found 
the  spear  Avith  the  infant  safe  on  the  other 
side.  Thenceforth  he  lived  among  the 
shepherds,  and  brouglit  up  his  daughter  in  Camilla. 

woodland  arts.  While  a  child  she  Avas  taught  to  use  the  bow 
and  throAV  the  javelin.  With  her  sling  she  could  bring  doAvn 
the  crane  or  the  Avild  swan.  Her  dress  Avas  a  tiger's  skin. 
Many  mothers  sought  her  for  a  daughter-in-law,  but  she  con- 
tinued faithful  to  Diana,  and  repelled  the  thought  of  marriage. 


There  is  an  allusion  to  Camilla  in  those  Avell-known  lines  of 
Pope,  in  which,  illustrating  the  rule  that  "  the  sound  should 
be  an  echo  to  the  sense,"  he  says,  — 


'  When  Ajax  strives  some  rock's  vast  weight  to  throw, 
The  line  too  labors  and  the  words  move  slow. 
Not  so  when  swift  Camilla  scours  the  plain, 
Flies  o'er  th'  unbending  corn  or  skims  along  the  main." 

Essay  on  Criticism. 


338  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


EVANDER. 

Such  were  the  formidable  allies  that  ranged  themselves 
against  ^neas.  It  avus  night,  and  he  lay  stretched  in  sleep  on 
the  bank  of  the  river,  under  the  open  heavens.  The  god  of  the 
stream.  Father  Tiber,  seemed  to  raise  his  head  above  the  wil- 
lows, and  to  say,  "  O  goddess-born,  destined  possessor  of  the 
Latin  realms,  this  is  the  promised  land,  here  is  to  be  your 
home,  here  shall  terminate  the  hostility  of  the  heavenly 
powers,  if  only  you  faithfully  persevere.  There  are  friends  not 
far  distant.  Prepare  your  boats  and  row  up  my  stream  ;  I  will 
lead  you  to  Evander  the  Arcadian  chief.  He  has  long  been  at 
strife  with  Turnus  and  the  Rutulians,  and  is  prepared  to  become 
an  ally  of  yours.  Rise  !  offer  your  vows  to  Juno,  and  depre- 
cate her  anger.  When  you  have  achieved  your  victory  then 
think  of  me."  ^neas  woke  and  paid  immediate  obedience  to 
the  friendly  vision.  He  sacrificed  to  Juno,  and  invoked  the 
god  of  the  river  and  all  its  tributary  fountains  to  lend  their  aid. 
Then,  for  the  fii'st  time,  a  vessel  filled  Avith  armed  Avarriors  floated 
on  the  stream  of  the  Tiber.  The  river  smoothed  its  Avaves  and 
bade  its  current  flow  gently,  Avhile,  impelled  by  the  vigorous 
strokes  of  the  roAvers,  the  vessel  shot  rapidly  up  the  stream. 

About  the  middle  of  the  day  they  came  in  sight  of  the  scat- 
tered buildings  of  the  infant  tOAvn  where  in  after  times  the 
proud  city  of  Rome  greAV,  whose  glory  reached  the  skies.  By 
chance  the  old  king,  Evander,  Avas  that  day  celebrating  annual 
solemnities  in  honor  of  Hercules  and  all  the  gods.  Pallas,  his 
son,  and  all  the  chiefs  of  the  little  commouAvealth  stood  by. 
When  they  saAv  the  tall  ship  gliding  ouAvard  through  the  wood, 
they  were  alarmed  at  the  sight,  and  rose  from  the  tables.  But 
Pallas  forbade  the  solemnities  to  be  interrupted,  and  seizing  a 
weapon,  stepped  forward  to  the  river's  bank.  He  called  aloud, 
demanding  who  they  Avere  and  Avhat  was  their  object,  ^neas, 
holding  forth  an  olive-branch,  replied,  "We  are  Trojans, 
friends  to  you  and  enemies  to  the  Rutulians.  We  seek  Evan- 
der, and  offer  to  join  our  arms  with  yours."  Pallas,  in  amaze- 
ment at  the  sound  of  so  great  a  name,  invited  them  to  land,  and 
when  ^neas  touched  the  shore  he  seized  his  hand  and  held  it 


EVANDER.  339 

long  in  friendly  grasp.  Proceeding  through  the  wood  they 
joined  the  king  and  his  party,  and  were  most  favorably  re- 
ceived. Seats  were  provided  for  them  at  the  tables,  and  the 
repast  proceeded. 

When  the  solemnities  were  ended  all  moved  towards  the 
city.  The  king,  bending  with  age,  walked  between  his  son 
and  JEneas,  taking  the  arm  of  one  or  the  other  of  them,  and 
with  much  variety  of  pleasing  talk  shortening  the  way.  ^neas 
looked  and  listened  with  delight,  observing  all  the  beauties  of 
the  scene,  and  learning  much  of  heroes  renowned  in  ancient 
times.  Evander  said,  "  These  extensive  groves  were  once 
inhabited  by  fauns  and  nymphs,  and  a  rude  race  of  men  who 
sprang  from  the  trees  themselves,  and  had  neither  laws  nor 
social  culture.  They  knew  not  how  to  yoke  the  cattle  nor 
raise  a  harvest,  nor  provide  from  present  abundance  for  future 
want ;  but  browsed  like  beasts  upon  the  leafy  boughs,  or  fed 
voraciously  on  their  hunted  prey.  Such  were  they  when 
Saturn,  expelled  from  Olympus  by  his  sons,  came  among  them 
and  drew  together  the  fierce  savages,  formed  them  into  society, 
and  gave  them  laws.  Such  peace  and  plenty  ensued  that  men 
ever  since  have  called  his  reign  the  golden  age  ;  but  by  degrees 
far  other  times  succeeded,  and  the  thirst  of  gold  and  the  thirst 
of  blood  prevailed.  The  land  was  a  prey  to  successive  tyrants, 
till  fortune  and  resistless  destiny  brought  me  hither,  an  exile 
from  my  native  land,  Arcadia." 

Having  thus  said,  he  showed  him  the  Tarpeian  rock,  and  the 
rude  spot  then  overgrown  with  bushes  Avhere  in  after  timers  the 
Capitol  rose  in  all  its  magnificence.  He  next  pointed  to  some 
dismantled  walls,  and  said,  "  Here  stood  Janiculum,  built  by 
Janus,  and  there  Saturnia,  the  town  of  Saturn."  Such  dis- 
course brought  them  to  the  cottage  of  poor  Evander,  whence 
they  saw  the  lowing  herds  roaming  over  the  plain  where  now 
the  proud  and  stately  Forum  stands.  They  entered,  and  a 
couch  was  spread  for  ^neas,  well  stuffed  with  leaves  and 
covered  with  the  skin  of  the  Libyan  bear. 

Next  morning,  awakened  by  the  dawn  and  the  shrill  song  of 
birds  beneath  the  eaves  of  his  low  mansion,  old  Evander  rose. 
Clad  in  a  tunic,  and  a  panther's  skin  thrown  over  his  shoulders, 


340  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

with  sandals  on  his  feet,  and  his  good  sword  girded  to  his  side, 
he  went  forth  to  seek  his  guest.  Two  mastiffs  followed  him, 
his  whole  retinue  and  body-guard.  He  found  the  hero  attended 
by  his  faithful  Achates,  and,  Pallas  soon  joining  them,  the  old 
king  spoke  thus  :  — 

"Illustrious  Trojan,  it  is  but  little  we  can  do  in  so  great  a 
cause.  Our  state  is  feeble,  hemmed  in  on  one  side  by  the  river, 
on  the  other  by  the  Rutulians.  But  I  propose  to  ally  you  with 
a  people  numerous  and  rich,  to  whom  fate  has  brought  you  at 
the  jaropitious  moment.  The  Etruscans  hold  the  country 
beyond  the  river.  Mezentius  Avas  their  king,  a  monster  of 
cruelty,  who  invented  unheard-of  torments  to  gratify  his  ven- 
geance. He  would  fasten  the  dead  to  the  living,  hand  to  hand 
and  face  to  face,  and  leave  the  wretched  victims  to  die  in  that 
dreadful  embrace.  At  length  the  people  cast  him  out,  him  and 
his  house.  They  burned  his  palace  and  slew  his  friends.  He 
escaped  and  took  refuge  with  Turnus,  who  protects  him  with 
arms.  The  Etruscans  demand  that  he  shall  be  given  up  to 
deserved  punishment,  and  would  ere  now  have  attempted  to 
enforce  their  demand  ;  but  their  priests  restrain  them,  telling 
them  that  it  is  the  will  of  heaven  that  no  native  of  the  land  shall 
guide  them  to  victory,  and  that  their  destined  leader  must 
come  from  across  the  sea.  They  have  offered  the  crown  to 
me,  but  I  am  too  old  to  undertake  such  great  affairs,  and  my 
son  is  native-born,  which  precludes  hina  from  the  choice.  You, 
equally  by  birth  and  time  of  life,  and  fame  in  arms,  pointed  out 
by  the  gods,  have  but  to  appear  to  be  hailed  as  their  leader. 
With  you  I  will  join  Pallas,  my  son,  my  only  hope  and  comfort. 
Under  you  he  shall  learn  the  art  of  war,  and  strive  to  emulate 
your  great  exploits." 

Then  the  king  ordered  horses  to  be  furnished  for  the  Trojan 
chiefs,  and  ^neas,  with  a  chosen  band  of  followers  and  Pallas 
accompanying,  mounted  ^  and  took  the  way  to  the  Etruscan 

1  The  poetlicre  inserts  a  famous  line  which  is  thoufrht  to  imitate  in  its  sound 
the  fralipinji  of  horses.  These  are  the  words :  "  Quaclrupcdante  putrem  sonitu 
quatit  unfrula  campum."  It  may  thus  l)e  translated:  "Then  struck  tlic  hoofs  of 
the  steeds  on  the  ground  with  a  four-footed  trampling." —  See  Proverbial  Expres- 
sions, page  447. 


NISUS    AND    EUR Y ALUS.  ^^41 

city,  having  sent  back  the  rest  of  his  pai'ty  in  the  ships. 
JEneas  and  his  band  safely  arrived  at  the  Etruscan  camp  and 
were  received  with  open  arms  by  Tarchon,  the  Etruscan  leader, 
and  his  countrymen. 


NlSUS    AND    EURYALUS. 

In  the  meanwhile  Turnus  had  collected  his  bands  and  made 
all  necessary  preparations  for  the  war.  Juno  sent  Iris  to  him 
with  a  message  inciting  him  to  take  advantage  of  the  absence 
of  ^neas  and  surprise  the  Trojan  camp.  Accordingly  the 
attempt  was  made,  but  the  Trojans  were  found  on  their  guard, 
and  having  received  strict  orders  from  ^neas  not  to  fight  in 
his  absence,  they  lay  still  in  their  intrenchments,  and  resisted 
all  the  efforts  of  the  Rutulians  to  draw  them  into  the  field. 
Night  coming  on,  the  army  of  Turnus  in  high  spirits  at  their 
fancied  superiority,  feasted  and  enjoyed  themselves,  and  finally 
stretched  themselves  on  the  field  and  slept  secure. 

In  the  camp  of  the  Trojans  things  were  far  otherwise.  There 
all  was  watchfulness  and  anxiety,  and  impatience  for  ^neas's 
return.  Nisus  stood  guard  at  the  entrance  of  the  camj),  and 
Euryalus,  a  youth  distinguished  above  all  in  the  army  for 
graces  of  person  and  fine  qualities,  was  with  him.  These  two 
were  friends  and  brothers  in  arms.  Nisus  said  to  his  friend, 
"  Do  you  jjerceive  what  confidence  and  carelessness  the  enemy 
display  ?  Their  lights  are  few  and  dim,  and  the  men  seem  all 
oppressed  with  wine  or  sleep.  You  know  how  anxiously  our 
chiefs  wish  to  send  to  ^Eneas,  and  to  get  intelligence  from  him. 
Now  I  am  strongly  moved  to  make  my  way  through  the  enemy's 
camp  and  to  go  in  search  of  our  chief.  If  I  succeed,  the  glory 
of  the  deed  will  be  enough  reward  for  me,  and  if  they  judge 
the  service  deserves  anything  more,  let  them  pay  it  to  you." 

Euryalus,  all  on  fire  with  the  love  of  adventure,  replied, 
"  "Would  you  then,  Nisus,  refuse  to  share  your  enterprise  with 
me  ?  And  shall  I  let  you  go  into  such  danger  alone  ?  Not  so 
my  brave  father  brought  me  up,  nor  so  have  I  planned  for 
myself  when  I  joined  the  standard  of  ^neas,  and  resolved  to 


342  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

hold  my  life  cheap  in  comparison  with  honor."  Nisus  replied, 
"  I  doubt  it  not,  my  friend  ;  but  you  know  the  uncertain  event 
of  such  an  undertaking,  and  whatever  may  happen  to  me,  I 
wish  you  to  be  safe.  You  are  younger  than  I  and  have  more 
of  life  in  prospect.  Nor  can  I  be  the  cause  of  such  grief  to  your 
mother,  who  has  chosen  to  be  here  in  the  camp  with  you  rather 
than  stay  and  live  in  peace  with  the  other  matrons  in  Acestes' 
city."  Euryalus  replied,  "  Say  no  more.  In  vain  you  seek 
arguments  to  dissuade  me.  I  am  fixed  in  the  resolution  to  go 
with  you.  Let  us  lose  no  time."  They  called  the  guard,  and  com- 
mitting the  watch  to  them,  sought  the  general's  tent.  They  found 
the  chief  officers  in  consultation,  deliberating  how  they  should 
send  notice  to  ^neas  of  their  situation.  The  offer  of  the  two 
friends  Avas  gladly  accepted,  they  themselves  were  loaded  with 
praises  and  j^romised  the  most  liberal  rewards  in  case  of  success, 
lulus  especially  addressed  Euryalus,  assuring  him  of  his  lasting 
friendship.  Euryalus  replied,  "  I  have  but  one  boon  to  ask.  My 
aged  mother  is  with  me  in  the  cam]).  For  me  she  left  the  Tro- 
jan soil,  and  would  not  stay  behind  with  the  other  matrons  at 
the  city  of  Acestes.  I  go  now  Avithout  taking  leave  of  her.  I 
could  not  bear  her  tears  nor  set  at  nought  her  entreaties.  But 
do  thou,  I  beseech  thee,  comfort  her  in  her  distress.  Promise 
me  that,  and  I  shall  go  more  boldly  into  whatever  dangers 
may  jjvesent  themselves."  lulus  and  the  other  chiefs  were 
moved  to  tears,  and  ]n"omised  to  do  all  his  request.  "Your 
mother  shall  be  mine,"  said  lulus,  "  and  all  that  I  have  promised 
to  you  shall  be  made  good  to  her,  if  you  do  not  return  to 
receive  it. 

The  two  friends  left  the  camp  and  plunged  at  once  into  the 
midst  of  the  enemy.  They  found  no  Avatch,  no  sentinels  posted, 
l)ut  all  about,  the  sleeping  soldiers  strcAvn  on  the  grass  and 
among  the  Avagons.  The  laAvs  of  Avar  at  that  early  day  did  not 
forbid  a  brave  man  to  slay  a  sleeping  foe,  and  the  two  Trojans 
slcAA^,  as  they  passed,  such  of  the  enemy  as  they  could  without 
exciting  alarm.  In  one  tent  Euryalus  made  prize  of  a  helmet 
brilliant  Avith  gold  and  plumes.  They  had  passed  through  the 
enemy's  ranks  Avithout  being  discovered,  but  noAV  suddenly  a])- 
peared  a  troop  directly  in  front  of  them,  which,  under  Volscens, 


MEZEiNTIUS.  343 

their  leader,  were  approaching  the  camp.  The  glittering  helmet 
of  Euryalus  caught  their  attention,  and  Volscens  hailed  the  two, 
and  demanded  who  and  Avhence  they  were.  They  made  no 
answer,  but  plunged  into  the  wood.  The  horsemen  scattered 
in  all  directions  to  intercept  their  flight.  Nisus  had  eluded 
pursuit  and  was  out  of  danger,  but  Euryalus  being  missing  he 
turned  back  to  seek  him.  He  again  entered  the  wood  and 
soon  came  within  sound  of  voices.  Looking  through  the  thicket 
he  saw  the  whole  band  surrounding  Euryalus  with  noisy  ques- 
tions. What  should  he  do?  how  extricate  the  youth?  or  would 
it  be  better  to  die  with  him  ? 

Raising  his  eyes  to  the  moon  which  now  shone  clear,  he 
said,  "Goddess!  favor  my  effort!"  and  aiming  his  javelin  at 
one  of  the  leaders  of  the  troojj,  struck  him  in  the  back  and 
stretched  him  on  the  plain  with  a  death-blow.  In  the  midst 
of  their  amazement  another  w^eapon  flew,  and  another  of  the 
party  fell  dead.  Volscens,  the  leader,  ignorant  Avhence  the 
darts  came,  rushed  sword  in  hand  upon  Euryalus.  "You 
shall  pay  the  penalty  of  both,"  he  said,  and  would  have 
plunged  the  sword  into  his  bosom,  when  Nisus,  Avho  from  his 
concealment  saw  the  peril  of  his  friend,  rushed  forward,  ex- 
claiming, "'Twas  I,  'twas  I;  turn  your  swords  against  me, 
Rutulians  ;  I  did  it ;  he  only  followed  me  as  a  friend."  While 
he  spoke  the  sword  fell,  and  pierced  the  comely  bosom  of 
Euryalus.  His  head  fell  over  on  his  shoulder,  like  a  flower 
cut  down  by  the  plough.  Nisus  rushed  upon  Volscens  and 
plunged  his  swoi'd  into  his  body,  and  was  himself  slain  on  the 
instant  by  numberless  blows. 


Mezextius. 

^neas,  with  his  Etrurian  allies,  arrived  on  the  scene  of 
action  in  time  to  rescue  his  beleaguered  camp ;  and  now 
the  two  armies  being  nearly  equal  in  strength,  the  war  began 
in  good  earnest.  We  cannot  find  space  for  all  the  details,  but 
must  simply  record  the  fate  of  the  principal  characters  whom 
w^e  have  introduced  to  our  readers.     The  tyrant  Mezentius, 


344  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

finding  himself  engaged  against  his  revolted  subjects,  raged 
like  a  wild  beast.  He  slew  all  who  dared  to  withstand  him, 
and  put  the  multitude  to  flight  wherever  he  appeared.  At  last 
he  encountered  -^neas,  and  the  armies  stood  still  to  see  the 
issue.  Mezentius  threw  his  spear,  which  striking  JSneas's 
shield  glanced  off  and  hit  Anthor.  He  was  a  Grecian  by  birth, 
who  had  left  Argos,  his  native  city,  and  followed  Evander  into 
Italy.  The  poet  says  of  him,  with  simple  pathos  which  has 
made  the  words  proverbial,  "  He  fell,  unhappy,  by  a  wound 
intended  for  another,  looked  up  to  the  skies,  and  dying  re- 
membered sweet  Argos."  ^  ^neas  now  in  turn  hurled  his 
lance.  It  pierced  the  shield  of  Mezentius,  aud  wounded  him 
in  the  thigh.  Lausus,  his  son,  could  not  bear  the  sight,  but 
rushed  forward  and  interposed  himself,  Avhile  the  followers 
pressed  round  Mezentius  and  bore  him  away,  ^neas  held  his 
sword  suspended  over  Lausus  and  delayed  to  strike,  but  the 
furious  youth  pressed  on  and  he  Avas  compelled  to  deal  the 
fatal  blow.  Lausus  fell,  and  ^Eneas  bent  over  him  in  pity. 
"  Hapless  youth,"  he  said,  "  Avhat  can  I  do  for  you  worthy  of 
your  praise  ?  '  Keep  those  arms  in  which  you  glory,  and  fear 
not  but  that  your  body  shall  be  restored  to  your  friends,  and 
have  due  funeral  honors."  So  saying,  he  called  the  timid  fol- 
lowers, aud  delivered  the  body  into  their  hands. 

Mezentius  meanwhile  had  been  borne  to  tlie  river-side,  and 
washed  his  wound.  Soon  the  news  reached  him  of  Lausus's 
death,  and  rage  and  despair  supplied  the  place  of  sti-ength. 
He  mounted  his  horse  and  dashed  into  the  thickest  of  the  fight, 
seeking  ^neas.  Having  found  him,  he  rode  round  him  in  a 
circle,  throwing  one  javelin  after  another,  Avhile  ^neas  stood 
fenced  with  his  shield,  turning  every  way  to  meet  them.  At 
last,  after  Mezentius  had  three  times  made  the  circuit,  ^neas 
threw  his  lance  directly  at  the  horse's  head.  It  pierced  his 
temples  and  he  fell,  while  a  shout  from  both  armies  rent  the 
skies.  Mezentius  asked  no  mercy,  but  only  that  his  body 
might  be  spared  the  insults  of  his  revolted  subjects,  and  be 
buried  in  the  same  grave  with  his  son.     He  received  the  fatal 

1  See  Proverbial  Expressions,  page  447. 


MEZENTIUS.  345 

stroke  not  unprepared,  and  poured  out  his  life  and  his  blood 
together. 

While  these  things  were  doing  in  one  part  of  the  field, 
in  another  Turnus  encountered  the  youthful  Pallas.  The 
contest  between  champions  so  unequally  matched  could  not  be 
doubtful.  Pallas  bore  himself  braA^ely,  but  fell  by  the  lance 
of  Turnus.  The  victor  almost  relented  when  he  saw  the  brave 
youth  lying  dead  at  his  feet,  and  spared  to  use  the  privilege  of 
a  conqueror  in  despoiling  him  of  his  arms.  The  belt  only, 
adorned  with  studs  and  carvings  of  gold,  he  took  and  clasped 
round  his  own  body.  The  rest  h®  remitted  to  the  friends  of  the 
slain. 

After  the  battle  there  was  a  cessation  of  arms  for  some  days 
to  allow  both  armies  to  bury  their  dead.  In  this  interval 
^neas  challenged  Turnus  to  decide  the  contest  by  single  com- 
bat, but  Turnus  evaded  the  challenge.  Another  battle  ensued, 
in  which  Camilla,  the  virgin  warrior,  was  chiefly  consj^icuous. 
Her  deeds  of  valor  surpassed  those  of  the  bravest  warriors, 
and  many  Trojans  and  Etruscans  fell  pierced  with  her  darts 
or  struck  down  by  her  battle-axe.  At  last  an  Etruscan  named 
Aruns,  who  had  watched  her  long,  seeking  for  some  advantage, 
observed  her  pursuing  a  flying  enemy  whose  splendid  armor 
offered  a  tempting  prize.  Intent  on  the  chase  she  observed 
not  her  danger,  and  the  javelin  of  Aruns  struck  her  and  in- 
flicted a  fatal  wound.  She  fell  and  breathed  her  last  in  the 
arms  of  her  attendant  maidens.  But  Diana,  who  beheld  her 
fate,  suffered  not  her  slaughter  to  be  unavenged.  Aruns,  as 
he  stole  away,  glad  but  frightened,  was  struck  by  a  secret 
arrow,  launched  by  one  of  the  nymphs  of  Diana's  train,  and 
died  ignobly  and  unknown. 

At  length  the  final  conflict  took  place  between  .^neas  and 
Turnus.  Turnus  had  avoided  the  contest  as  long  as  he  could, 
but  at  last  impelled  by  the  ill  success  of  his  arms,  and  by  the 
murmurs  of  his  followers,  he  braced  himself  to  the  conflict.  It 
€o\ild  not  be  doubtful.  On  the  side  of  ^neas  were  the  ex- 
pressed decree  of  destiny,  the  aid  of  his  goddess-mother  at 
every  emergency,  and  impenetrable  armor  fabricated  by  Vul- 
can, at  Venus'  request,  for  her  son.  -    Turnus,  on  the  other  hand, 


346  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

was  deserted  by  his  celestial  allies,  Juno  having  been  expressly- 
forbidden  by  Jupiter  to  assist  him  any  longer.  Turnus  threw 
his  lance,  but  it  recoiled  harmless  from  the  shield  of  ^neas. 
The  Trojan  hero  then  threw  his,  which  penetrated  the  shield 


of  Turnus,  and  pierced  his  thigh.  Then  Turnus'  fortitude  for- 
sook him  and  he  begged  for  mercy ;  and  ^^neas  would  have 
given  him  his  life^  but  at  the  instant  his  eye  fell  on  the  belt  of 
Pallas,  which  Turnus  had  taken  from  the  slaughtered  youth. 
Instantly  his  rage  revived,  and  exclaiming,  "  Pallas  immolates 
thee  with  this  blow,"  he  thrust  him  through  with  his  sword. 


CLOSE    OF    THE    ^NEID. 


347 


Here  the  ^neid  closes,  but  the  story  goes  that  ^neas,  hav- 
ing triumphed   over  his  foes,  obtained  Lavinia  as  his  bride. 


His  son  lulus  founded  the  city  of  Alba  Longa.  He,  and  his 
descendants  after  him,  reigned  over  the  town  for  many  years. 
At  length  Numitor  and  Amulius,  two  brothers,  quarrelled  about 


348  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

the  kingdom.  Araulius  seized  the  crown  by  force,  cast  out 
Numitor,  and  made  his  daughter,  Rhea  Silvia,  a  Vestal  Virgin. 
The  Vestal  Virgins,  the  priestesses  of  the  goddess  Vesta,  were 
sworn  to  celibacy.  But  Rhea  Silvia  broke  her  vow,  and  gave 
birth,  by  the  god  Mars,  to  the  twins  Romulus  and  Remus.  For 
this  offence  she  was  buried  alive,  the  usual  punishment  accorded 
to  unfaithful  Vestals,  Avhile  the  children  were  exposed  on  the 
river  Tiber.  Romulus  and  Remus,  however,  were  rescued 
by  a  herdsman,  and  were  educated  among  the  shepherds  in 
ignorance  of  their  parentage.  But  chance  revealed  it  to  them. 
They  collected  a  band  of  friends,  and  took  revenge  on  their 
granduncle  for  the  murder  of  their  'mother.  Afterwards  they 
founded,  by  the  side  of  the  river  Tiber,  where  they  had  been 
exposed  in  infancy,  the  city  of  Rome. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


PYTHAGOKAS.  —  EGYPTIAN    DEITIES.  —  ORACLES. 


THE  teachings  of  Anchises  to  ^neas,  respecting  the  nature 
of  the  human  soul,  were  in  conformity  witli  the  doctrines 
of  the  Pythagoreans.  Pythagoras  (born,  perhaps,  about  five 
hundred  and  forty  years  B.  C.)  was  a  native  of  the  island  of 
Samos,  but  passed  the  chief  portion  of  his  life  at  Crotona  in 
Italy.  He  is  therefore  sometimes  called  "the  Samian,"  and 
sometimes  "  the  philosopher  of  Crotona."  When  young  he 
travelled  extensively,  and  is  said  to  have  visited  Egypt,  where 
he  M'as  instructed  by  the  priests  in  all  their  learning,  and  af- 
terwards journeyed  to  the  East,  and  visited  the  Persian  and 
Chaldean  Magi,  and  the  Brahmins  of  India. 

(349) 


350  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

But  Pythagoras  left  no  writings  which  have  been  preserved. 
His  immediate  disciples  were  under  a  pledge  of  secrecy. 
Though  he  is  referred  to  by  many  writers,  at  times  not  far  dis- 
tant from  his  own,  we  have  no  biography  of  him  written  ear- 
lier than  the  end  of  the  second  century  of  our  era.  In  the 
interval  between  his  life  and  this  time,  every  sort  of  fable  col- 
lected around  what  was  really  known  of  his  life  and  teaching. 

At  Crotona,  where  he  finally  established  himself,  it  is  said 
that  his  extraordinary  qualities  collected  round  him  a  great 
number  of  disciples.  The  inhabitants  were  notorious  for  lux- 
ury and  licentiousness,  but  the  good  effects  of  his  influence 
Avere  soon  visible.  Sobriety  and  temperance  succeeded.  Six 
hundred  of  the  inhabitants  became  his  disciples  and  enrolled 
themselves  in  a  society  to  aid  each  other  in  the  pursuit  of  wis- 
dom; uniting  their  property  in  one  common  stock,  for  the 
benefit  of  the  whole;  They  were  required  to  practise  the 
greatest  purity  and  simplicity  of  manners.  The  first  lesson 
they  learned  was  silence  ;  for  a  time  they  were  required  to  be 
only  hearers.  "  He  [Pythagoras]  said  so,"  (Ipse  dixit,)  was 
to  be  held  by  them  as  sufticient,  without  any  proof.  It  was 
only  the  advanced  pupils,  after  years  of  patient  submission, 
who  were  allowed  to  ask  questions  and  to  state  objections. 

Pythagoras  is  said  to  have  considered  numbers  as  the  essence 
and  principle  of  all  things,  and  attributed  to  them  a  real  and 
distinct  existence;  so  that,  in  his  view,  they  were  the  ele- 
ments out  of  which  the  universe  Avas  constructed.  How  he 
conceiA'^ed  this  process  has  ncA'er  been  satisfactorily  explained. 
He  traced  the  various  forms  and  phenomena  of  the  Avorld  to 
numbers  as  their  basis  and  essence.  The  "  Monad,"  or  unit^ 
he  regarded  as  the  source  of  all  numbers.  The  number  Ttoo 
Avas  imperfect,  and  the  cause  of  increase  and  division.  Three 
was  called  the  number  of  the  Avhole,  because  it  had  a  begin- 
ning, middle,  and  end;  Four,  representing  the  square,  is  in 
the  highest  degree  perfect ;  and  Ten,  as  it  contains  the  sum  of 
the  first  three  prime  numbers,^  comprehends  all  musical  and 
arithmetical  proportions,  and  denotes  the  system  of  the  world. 

1  2+3+5=10.  One  is  not  counted,  as  being  rather  the  source  of  number  than  a 
number  itself. 


PYTHAGOllAS.  351 

As  the  numbers  proceed  from  the  monad,  so  he  regarded  the 
pure  and  simple  essence  of  the  Deity  as  the  source  of  all  the 
forms  of  nature.  Gods,  demons,  and  heroes  are  emanations  of 
the  Supreme  ;  and  there  is  a  fourth  emanation,  the  human  soul. 
This  is  immortal,  and  when  freed  from  the  fetters  of  the  body, 
passes  to  the  habitation  of  the  dead,  where  it  remains  till  it 
returns  to  the  world  to  dwell  in  some  other  human  or  animal 
body,  and  at  last,  when  sufficiently  purified,  it  returns  to  the 
source  from  which  it  proceeded.  This  doctrine  of  the  transmi- 
gration of  souls  (metempsychosis),  Avhich  Avas  first  Indian  and 
Egyptian,  and  connected  Avitli  the  doctrine  of  reward  and  pun- 
ishment of  human  actions,  was  the  chief  cause  why  the  Pytha- 
goreans killed  no  animals.  Ovid  represents  Pythagoras  address- 
ing his  disciples  in  these  words:  "  Souls  never  die,  but  always 
on  quitting  one  abode  pass  to  another.  I  myself  can  remem- 
ber that  in  the  time  of  the  Trojan  war  I  was  Euphorbus,  the 
son  of  Panthus,  and  fell  by  the  spear  of  Menelaiis.  Lately, 
being  in  the  temple  of  Juno,  at  Argos,  I  recognized  my  shield 
hung  up  there  among  the  trophies.  All  things  change,  nothing 
perishes.  The  soul  passes  hither  and  thither,  occupying  now 
this  body,  noAV  that,  passing  from  the  body  of  a  beast  into  that 
of  a  man,  and  thence  to  a  beast's  again.  As  wax  is  stamped 
Avitli  certain  figures,  then  melted,  then  stamped  anew  with 
others,  yet  is  always  the  same  wax,  so  the  soul,  being  always 
the  same,  yet  wears  at  different  times  different  forms.  There- 
fore, if  the  love  of  kindred  is  not  extinct  in  your  bosoms,  for- 
bear, I  entreat  you,  to  violate  the  life  of  those  who  may  haply 
be  your  own  relatives." 

Shakespeare,  in  the  Merchant  of  Venice,  makes  Gratiario 
allude  to  the  metempsychosis,  where  he  says  to  Shylock :  — 

"  Thou  almost  mak'st  me  waver  in  my  faith, 
To  hold  opinion  with  Pythagoras, 
That  souls  of  animals  infuse  themselves 
Into  the  trunks  of  men ;  thy  currish  spirit 
Governed  a  wolf;  who  hanged  for  human  slaughter 
Infused  his  soul  in  thee ;  for  thy  desires 
Are  wolfish,  bloody,  starved,  and  ravenous." 


352  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

The  relation  of  the  notes  of  the  musical  scale  to  numbers, 
whereby  harmony  results  from  vibrations  in  equal  times,  and 
discord  from  the  reverse,  led  Pythagoras  to  apply  the  word 
"harmony"  to  the  visible  creation,  meaning  by  it  the  just 
adaptation  of  parts  to  each  other.  This  is  the  idea  Avhich 
Dry  den  expresses  in  the  beginning  of  his  song  for  St.  Cecilia's 
Day:  — 

"  From  harmony,  from  heavenly  harmony 
This  everhisting  frame  began ; 
From  harmony  to  harmonj' 
Through  all  the  compass  of  the  notes  it  ran, 
The  Diapason  closing  full  in  Man." 

In  the  centre  of  the  universe  (as  Pythagoras  taught)  there 
was  a  central  fire,  the  principle  of  life.  The  central  fire  was 
surrounded  by  the  earth,  the  moon,  the  sun,  and  the  five 
planets.  The  distances  of  the  various  heavenly  bodies  from 
one  another  were  conceived  to  correspond  to  the  proportions 
of  the  musical  scale.  The  heavenly  bodies,  with  the  gods  who 
inhabited  them,  were  supposed  to  perform  a  choral  dance 
round  the  central  fire,  "  not  without  song."  It  is  this  doctrine 
which  Shakespeare  alludes  to  when  he  makes  Lorenzo  teach 
astronomy  to  Jessica  in  this  fashion :  — 

"Sit,  Jessica,  look  how  the  floor  of  heaven 
Is  thick  inlaid  with  patincs  of  bright  gold! 
There's  not  the  smallest  orb  that  thou  behold'st 
But  in  his  motion  like  an  angel  sings. 
Still  quiring  to  the  young-eyed  cherubim  ; 
Such  harmony  is  in  immortal  souls! 
But  whilst  this  muddy  vesture  of  decay 
Doth  grossly  close  It  in  we  cannot  hear  it." 

Merchant  of  Venice. 

The  spheres  were  conceived  to  be  ci-ystalline  or  glassy  fab- 
rics arranged  over  one  another  like  a  nest  of  bowls  reversed. 
In  the  substance  of  each  sphere  one  or  more  of  the  heavenly 
bodies  was  supposed  to  be  fixed,  so  as  to  move  with  it.  As 
the  spheres  are  transparent,  we  look  through  them,  and  see 
the  heavenly  bodies  which  they  contain  and  carry  round  with 
them.  But  as  these  spheres  cannot  move  on  one  another  with- 
out friction,  a  sound  is  thereby  produced  which  is  of  exquisite 


PYTHAGORAS.  353 

harmony,  too  fine  for  mortal  ears  to  recognize.  Milton,  in  his 
Hymn  to  the  Nativity,  thus  alludes  to  the  music  of  the 
spheres  :  — 

"  Ring  out,  ye  ciystal  spheres  ! 
Once  bless  our  human  ears ; 

(If  ye  have  power  to  charm  our  senses  so)  ; 
And  let  your  silver  chime 
Move  in  melodious  time, 

And  let  the  base  of  Heaven's  deep  organ  blow  ; 
And  with  your  nine-fold  harmony 
Make  up  full  concert  with  the  angelic  symphony." 

Pythagoras  is  said  to  have  invented  the  lyre,  of  Avhich  other 
fal)les  give  the  invention  to  Mercury.  Our  own  poet,  Long- 
fellow, in  Verses  to  a  Child,  thus  relates  the  story :  — 

"  As  great  Pythagoras  of  yore, 
Standing  beside  the  blacksmith's  door. 
And  hearing  the  hammers  as  they  smote 
The  anvils  with  a  different  note, 
Stole  from  the  varying  tones  that  hung 
Vibrant  on  every  iron  tongue, 
The  secret  of  the  sounding  wire, 
And  formed  the  seven-chorded  lyre." 

See  also  the  same  poet's  Occultation  of  Orion  :  — 

"  The  Samian's  great  .^olian  lyre." 

Sybaris  and  Crotona. 

Sybaris,  a  neighboring  city  to  Crotona,  was  as  celebrated  for 
luxury  and  effeminacy  as  Crotona  for  the  reverse.  The  name 
has  become  proverbial.  Lowell  uses  it  in  this  sense  in  his 
charming  little  poem  To  the  Dandelion  :  — 

"  Not  in  mid  June  the  golden-cuirassed  bee 
Feels  a  more  summer-like,  warm  ravishment 

In  the  white  lily's  breezy  tent, 
(His  conquered  Sybaris)  than  I  when  first 
From  the  dark  green  thy  yellow  circles  burst." 

A  war  arose  between  the  two  cities,  and  Sybaris  was  con- 
quered and  destroyed.  Milo,  the  celebrated  athlete,  led  the 
army   of   Crotona.      Many   stories    are    told    of    Milo's    vast 


354  STORIES    OF   GODS   AND   HEROES. 

strength,  such  as  his  carrying  a  heifer  of  four  years  old  upon 
his  shoulders,  and  afterwards  eating  the  whole  of  it  in  a  single 
day.  The  mode  of  his  death  is  thus  related  :  As  he  was  pass- 
ing through  a  forest  he  saw  the  trunk  of  a  tree  which  had  been 
partially  split  open  by  wood-cutters,  and  attempted  to  rend  it 
further;  but  the  Avood  closed  upon  his  hands  and  held  him 
fast,  in  which  state  he  was  attacked  and  devoured  by  wolves. 

Byron,  in  his  Ode  to  Napoleon  Bonaparte,   alludes  to  the 
story  of  Milo  :  — 

"  He  who  of  old  would  rend  the  oak 
Deemed  not  of  the  rebound  ; 
Chained  by  the  trunk  he  vainly  broke, 
Alone,  how  looked  he  round !  " 


Egyptian  Deities. 

The  remarkable  discovery  by  which  Champollion  the  younger^ 
first  opened  to  modern  times  the  secret  of  the  Egyptian  hiero- 
glyphics, has  been  followed  up  by  laborious  studies,  Avhich  tell 
us  more  of  Egyptian  Avorship  and  mythology,  with  more  pre- 
cision, than  we  know  of  any  other  ancient  religion  but  that  of 
the  Hebrews.  We  have  even  great  numbers  of  copies  of  the 
liturgies,  or  handbooks  of  worship,  of  funeral  solemnities,  and 
other  rituals,  which  have  been  diligently  translated.  And  we 
have  a  sufficient  body  of  the  literature  written  and  used  by  the 
priesthood. 

These  discoveries  give  to  writers  of  this  generation  a  much 
fuller  knowledge  of  the  Egyptian  religion,  of  its  forms,  and  of 
the  names  of  its  gods,  than  they  had  before.  It  is  impossible, 
and  probably  always  will  be,  to  state  with  precision  the  theol- 
ogy on  which  it  rested.  It  is  impossible,  because  that  theology 
was  different  in  one  time  and  with  one  school  from  what  it 
was  at  other  times.  Mr.  S.  Birch,  of  the  British  Museum, 
says,  "  The  religion  of  the  Egyptians  consisted  of  an  extended 
polytheism  represented  by  a  system  of  local  groups."     But  Mr. 

'  So  called  to  disting^uish  him  from  his  older  brother,  Champollion  Figeac, 
who  also  studied  the  hieroglyphics. 


EGYPTIAN    DEITIES.  355 

Pierret  s.ays,  "  The  polytheism  of  the  monuments  is  but  an 
outward  show.  The  innumerable  gods  of  the  Pantheon  are 
but  manifestations  of  the  One  Being  in  his  various  capacities. 
Mariette  Bey  says,  "The  one  result  is  that  according  to  the 
Egyptians,  the  universe  was  God  himself,  and  that  Pantheism 
formed  the  foundation  of  their  religion." 

In  this  book  it  is  not  necessary  to  reconcile  views  so  diverse, 
nor  indeed  to  enter  on  studies  so  profound  as  those  which 
should  decide  between  them.  For  our  purpose  here  it  is 
enough  to  know  that  the  Sun  was  the  older  object  of  worship, 
and  in  his  various  forms  —  rising,  midday,  or  setting  —  was 
adored  under  different  names.  Frequently  his  being  and  these 
names  were  united  to  the  types  of  other  deities.  Mr.  Birch 
believes  that  the  worship  of  Osiris  prevailed  largely  beside  the 
worship  of  the  Sun,  and  is  not  to  be  confounded  with  it.  To 
Osiris,  Set,  the  Egyptian  devil,  was  opposed. 

The  original  God,  the  origin  of  all  things,  manifests  himself 
to  men,  in  lesser  forms,  according  to  tliis  mythology,  more  and 
more  human  and  less  and  less  intangible.  These  forms  are 
generally  triads,  and  resolve  themselves  into  a  male  deity,  a 
female  deity,  and  their  child.  Triad  after  triad  brings  the 
original  Divinity  into  forms  more  and  more  earthly,  till  at  last 
we  find  "  that  we  have  no  longer  to  do  with  the  infinite  and 
intangible  God  of  the  earliest  days,  but  rather  with  a  God  of 
flesh  and  blood,  who  lives  upon  earth,  and  has  so  abased  him- 
self as  to  be  no  more  than  a  human  king.  It  is  no  longer  the 
God  of  whom  no  man  knew  either  the  form  or  the  substance ; 
it  is  Kneph  at  Esneh,  —  Hathor  at  Durderah,  —  Horns,  king  of 
the  divine  dynasty  at  Edfoo."     These  words  are  M.  Maspero's. 

The  Greek  and  Latin  poets  and  philosophers,  as  they  made 
some  very  slight  acquaintance  with  Egyptian  worship,  gave 
Greek  or  Latin  names  to  the  divinities  worshipped.  Thus  we 
sometimes  hear  Osiris  spoken  of  as  the  Egyptian  Hermes. 
But  such  changes  of  names  ai-e  confusing,  and  are  at  best  but 
fanciful.^     It  would  happen  sometimes,  in  later  times,  that  a 

1  In  the  same  way  Plutarch,  a  Greek  writer,  says  of  the  Jews'  Feast  of  Taber- 
nacles, "  I  know  that  their  God  is  our  Bacchus."  This  was  merely  from  the 
vines,  vine  leaves  and  wine  used  in  the  ceremonies. 


356  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

fashion  of  religion  would  carry  the  worship  of  one  God  or  God- 
dess to  a  distance.  Thus  the  worship  of  Isis  became  fashion- 
able in  Rome  in  the  time  of  Nero  and  Paul,  as  readers  of 
Bulwer's  Last  Days  of  Pompeii  will  remember. 

The  latest  modern  literature  occasionally  uses  the  Egyptian 
names,  as  the  last  two  centuries  have  disinterred  them  from  the 
inscriptions  on  the  monuments,  and  from  the  manuscripts  in 
the  tombs.  Earlier  English  writers  generally  use  the  names 
like  Osiris,  Anubis,  and  others  found  in  Latin  and  Greek 
writers. 

The  following  statement  as  to  these  deities  and  their  names 
is  from  Mr.  Birch  :  — 

"  The  deities  of  ancient  Egypt  consist  of  celestial,  terrestrial, 
and  infernal  gods,  and  of  many  inferior  personages,  either 
representatives  of  the  greater  gods  or  attendants  on  them. 
Most  of  the  gods  were  connected  with  the  sun,  and  represented 
that  luminary  through  the  upper  hemisphere  or  Heaven  and 
the  lower  hemisphere  or  Hades.  To  the  deities  of  the  solar 
cycle  belonged  the  great  gods  of  Thebes  and  Heliopolis.  Li 
the  local  worship  of  Egypt  the  deities  were  arranged  in  local 
triads ;  thus  at  Memphis,  Ptah,  his  wife  Merienptah,  and  their 
son  Nefer  Atum,  formed  a  triad,  to  which  was  sometimes  added 
the  goddess  Bast  or  Bubastis.  At  Abydos  the  local  triad  was 
Osiris,  Isis,  and  Horus,  with  Nephthys ;  at  Thebes,  Amen  Ra 
or  Ammon,  Mut  and  Chons,  with  Neith ;  at  Elephantine,  Kneph, 
Anuka,  Sati,  and  Hak.  In  most  instances  the  names  of  the 
gods  are  Egyptian;  thus,  Ptah  meant  'the  opener';  Amen,  'the 
concealed';  Ra,  'the  sun  or  day';  Athor,  'the  house  of  Horus' ; 
but  some  few,  especially  of  later  times,  were  introduced  from 
Semitic  sources,  as  Bal  or  Baal,  Astaruta  or  Astarte,  Khen  or 
Kiun,  Respu  or  Reseph.  Besides  the  principal  gods,  several 
inferior  or  parhedral  gods,  sometimes  personifications  of  the 
faculties,  senses,  and  other  objects,  are  introduced  into  the 
religious  system,  and  genii,  spirits  or  personified  souls  of  deities 
formed  part  of  the  same.  At  a  period  subsequent  to  their  first 
introduction  the  gods  were  divided  into  three  orders.  The 
first  or  highest  comprised  eight  deities,  who  were  different  in 


EGYPTIAN    DEITIES.  357 

the  MemjDhian  and  Theban  systems.  They  were  sui^posed  to 
have  reigned  over  Egypt  before  the  time  of  mortals.  The 
eight  gods  of  the  first  order  at  Memphis  were — 1.  Ptah ;  2. 
Shu ;  3.  Tefnu ;  4.  Seb  ;  5.  Nut ;  6.  Osiris ;  7.  Isis  and  Horus ; 
8.  Athor.  Those  of  Thebes  were  —  1.  Amen  Ra;  2.  Mentu  ;  3. 
Atum ;  4.  Shu  and  Tefnu ;  5.  Seb ;  6.  Osiris ;  7.  Set  and  Nep- 
thys  ;  8.  Horus  and  Athor.  The  gods  of  the  second  order  were 
twelve  in  number,  but  the  name  of  one  only,  an  Egyptian  Her- 
cules, has  been  preserved.  The  third  ordej  is  stated  to  have 
comprised  Osiris,  Avho,  it  will  be  seen,  belonged  to  the  first 
order."  Guide  to  the  first  and  second  Egyptian  Itooms,  British 
lluseum.  —  S.  Birch. 

Miss  Edwards  gives  the  following  convenient  register  of  the 
names  most  familiar  among  the  Egyptian  gods.^ 

Phtah  or  Ptah :  In  form  a  mummy,  holding  the  emblem 
called  by  some  the  Nilometer,  by  others  the  emblem  of  Stabil- 
ity, called  "  the  Father  of  the  Beginning,  the  Creator  of  the 
Egg  of  the  Sun  and  Moon,"  Chief  Deity  of  Memphis. 

KnepJi,  Knoimi  or  Knouphis :  Ram-headed,  called  the 
Maker  of  gods  and  men,  the  Soul  of  the  Gods.  Chief  Deity  of 
Elephantine  and  the  Cataracts. 

Ra:  Hawk-headed,  and  crowned  with  the  sun-disc,  encir- 
cled by  an  asp.  The  divine  disposer  and  organizer  of  the 
world  ;  adored  throughout  Egy]it. 

Amen  Ra:  Of  human  form,  crowned  with  a  flat-topped 
cap  and  two  long,  straight  plumes ;  clothed  in  the  schenti ;  his 
flesh  sometimes  painted  blue.  There  are  various  forms  of  this 
god^,  but  he  is  most  generally  described  as  King  of  the  Gods, 
chief  deity  of  Thebes. 

Khem:  Of  human  form,  mummified ;  wears  head-dress  of 
AraenRa;  his  right  hand  uplifted,  holding  a  flail.  The  god 
of  productiveness  and  generation.  Chief  deity  of  Khemmis, 
or  Ekhmeem. 

Osiris  :  Of  human  form,  mummified,  crowned  with  a  mitre, 
and  holding  the  flail  and  crook.     Called  the  Good  ;  the  Lord 

^  In  her  ven'  interesting  book,  "  A  Thousand  Miles  up  the  Nile." 
2  There  were  almost  as   many  varieties   of   Ammon  in  Egypt  as  there  ate 
varieties  of  the  Madonna  in  Italy  or  Spain. 


358  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

above  all ;  the  one  Lord.  Was  the  god  of  the  lower  world  ; 
judge  of  the  dead ;  and  representative  of  the  sun  below  the 
horizon.     Adored  through  Egypt.     Local  deity  of  Abydos. 

Nefer  Atum:  Human -headed,  and  crowned  with  the 
pschent.  This  god  represented  the  nocturnal  sun,  or  the  sun 
lighting  the  lower  world.     Local  deity  of  Heliopolis. 

Thoth :  In  form  a  man,  ibis-headed,  generally  depicted  with 
the  pen  and  palette  of  a  scribe.  Was  the  god  of  the  n^oon, 
and  of  letters.     Local  deity  of  Sesoon,  or  Hermopolis. 

Seb :  The  "  Father  of  the  Gods,"  and  deity  of  terrestrial 
vegetation.     In  form  like  a  man  with  a  goose  upon  his  head. 

Set :  Represented  by  a  symbolic  animal,  with  a  muzzle  and 
ears  like  a  jackal,  the  body  of  an  ass,  and  an  ujjright  tail,  like 
the  tail  of  a  lion.  Was  originally  a  warlike  god,  and  became 
in  later  times  the  symbol  of  evil  and  the  enemy  of  Osiris. 

Khojis :  Hawk-headed,  crowned  with  the  sun-disc  and 
horns.  Is  sometimes  represented  as  a  youth  with  the  side- 
lock,  standing  on  a  crocodile. 

Horus :  Horns  appears  variously  as  Horus,  Horus  Aroeris, 
and  Horus  Harpakhrat  (Hippocrates),  or  Horus  the  child.  Is 
represented  under  the  first  two  forms  as  a  man,  hawk-headed, 
wearing  the  double  crown  of  Egypt ;  in  the  latter  as  a  child 
with  the  side-lock.    Local  deity  of  Edfoo  (Apollinopolis  Magna). 

Matit :  A  woman  draped,  and  crowned  with  the  pschent,^ 
representing  a  vulture.     Adored  at  Thebes. 

Neith:  A  woman  draped,  holding  sometimes  a  bow  and 
arrows,  crowned  with  the  crown  of  Lower  Egypt.  She  pre- 
sided over  war,  and  the  loom.     Worshipped  at  Thebes. 

Isis :  A  woman  crowned  with  the  sun-disc  surmounted  by 
a  throne,  and  sometimes  enclosed  between  horns.  Adored  at 
Abydos.     Her  soul  resided  in  Sothis  on  the  Dog-star. 

JS^ut:  A  woman  so  bent  that  her  hands  touched  the  eartli. 
She  represents  the  vault  of  heaven,  and  is  the  mother  of  the 
gods. 

TIathor :  Cow-headed,  and  crowned  with  the  disc  and  plumes. 
Deity  of  Amenti,  or  the  Egyptian  Hades.  Worshipped  at  Den- 
dernli. 

1  The  pschent  was  a  double  crown,  worn  by  the  khiy  at  his  coronation. 


EGYPTIAN    DEITIES.  359 

Pasht :  Pasht  and  Bast  appear  to  be  two  forms  of  the  same 
goddess.  As  Bast  she  is  represented  as  a  woman,  lion-headed, 
with  the  disc  and  uroeus ;  as  Pasht  she  is  cat-headed,  and  holds 
a  sistrum.     Adored  at  Bubastis.     Observe  the  syllable  bast. 

The  highest  visible  deity  of  the  Egyptians  was  Aniun  Ra, 
or  Amen  Ra,  the  concealed  sun ;  the  word  Ra  signifying  the 
sun.  This  name  appears  in  the  Greek  and  Latin  writers  as 
Zeus  Ammon  and  Jupiter  Amnion.  When  Amun  manifests 
himself  by  his  word,  will  or  spirit,  he  is  known  as  Nu,  Num, 
Noub,  Nef,  Neph,  or  Kneph,  —  and  this  word  Knepli  through 
the  form  Cnuphis  is,  jjerhaps,  the  Anubis  of  the  Greek  and 
Latin  authors.  That  word  has  not  been  found  earlier  than  the 
time  of  Augustus.  Anubis  was  then  worshippe(J  as  the  guardian 
god,  and  represented  with  a  dog's  head. 

The  soul  of  Osiris  was  supposed  to  exist  in  some  way  in  the 
sacred  bull  Apis,  of  Avhich  Serapis  or  Sarapis  is  probably 
another  name.  "  Apis,"  says  Herodotus,  "  is  a  young  bull,  — 
whose  hair  is  black,  on  his  forehead  a  white  triangle,  —  on  his 
back  an  eagle,  —  with  a  beetle  under  his  tongue  and  with  the 
hair  of  his  tail  double."  Ovid  says  he  is  of  various  colors. 
Plutarch  says  he  has  a  crescent  on  his  right  side.  These 
superstitions  varied  from  age  to  age.  Apis  was  worshipped  in 
Memphis. 

It  must  be  observed,  in  general,  that  the  names  in  the  Latin 
classics  belong  to  a  much  later  period  of  the  Egyptian  religion 
than  the  names  found  on  most  of  the  monuments.  It  will  be 
found,  that,  as  in  the  change  from  Nu  to  Anubis,  it  is  difficult 
to  trace  the  progress  of  a  name  from  one  to  the  other.  In  the 
cases  where  an  ox,  a  ram,  or  a  dog  is  worshipped  with,  or  as  a 
symbol  of,  a  god,  we  probably  have  the  survival  of  a  very  early 
local  idolatry. 

Horus  or  Har^^ocrates,  named  above,  was  the  son  of  Osiris. 
He  is  sometimes  represented,  seated  on  a  Lotus-flower,  with  his 
finger  on  his  lips,  as  the  god  of  Silence. 

In  one  of  Moore's  Irish  Melodies  is  an  allusion  to  Har- 
pocrates : — 

"  Thyself  shall,  under  some  rosy  bower, 
Sit  mute,  with  thy  finjjer  on  thy  lip : 


360  STOKIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Like  him,  the  boy,  who  born  among 
The  flowers  that  on  the  Nile-stream  blush, 

Sits  ever  thus,  — his  only  song 
To  Earth  and  Heaven,  "  Hush  all,  hush !  " 


Myth  of  Osiris  and  Isis. 

Osiris  and  Isis  were  at  one  time  induced  to  descend  to  the 
earth  to  bestow  gifts  and  blessings  on  its  inhabitants.  Isis 
showed  them  first  the  use  of  wheat  and  barley,  and  Osiris 
made  the  instrimients  of  agriculture  and  taught  men  the  use  of 
them,  as  well  as  how  to  harness  the  ox  to  the  plough.  He 
then  gave  men  laws,  the  institution  of  marriage,  a  civil  organ- 
ization, and  taught  them  how  to  worship  the  gods.  After  he 
had  thus  made  the  valley  of  the  Nile  a  happy  country,  he 
assembled  a  host  with  which  he  went  to  bestow  his  blessings 
upon  the  rest  of  the  world.  He  conquered  the  nations  every- 
where, but  not  with  weapons,  only  with  music  and  eloquence. 
His  brother  Typhon  ^  saw  this,  and  filled  with  envy  and  malice 
sought,  during  his  absence,  to  usurp  his  throne.  But  Isis,  who 
held  the  reins  of  government,  frustrated  his  plans.  Still  more 
embittered,  he  now  resolved  to  kill  his  brother.  This  he  did 
in  the  follow^ing  manner :  Having  organized  a  conspiracy  of 
seventy-two  members,  he  went  with  them  to  the  feast  which 
was  celebrated  in  honor  of  the  king's  return.  He  then  caused 
a  box  or  chest  to  be  brought  in,  which  had  been  made  to  fit 
exactly  the  size  of  Osiris,  and  declared  that  he  would  give  that 
chest  of  precious  wood  to  whosoever  could  get  into  it.  The 
rest  tried  in  vain,  but  no  sooner  was  Osiris  in  it  than  Typhon 
and  his  companions  closed  the  lid  and  flung  the  chest  into  the 
Nile.  When  Isis  heard  of  the  cruel  murder  she  wej^t  and 
mourned,  and  then  with  her  hair  shorn,  clothed  in  black 
and  beating  her  breast,  she  sought  diligently  for  the  body 
of  her  husband.  In  this  search  she  was  assisted  by  Anubis, 
the  son  of  Osiris  and  Nephthys.  They  sought  in  vain  for 
some  time ;   for  when  the  chest,  carried  by  the  waves  to  the 

1  Typhon  is  supposed  to  be  the  Seth  of  tlic  monuments.  See  the  names,  as 
explained  above. 


OSIRIS    AND    ISIS. 


361 


shores  of  Byblos,  had  become  entangled  in  tlie  reeds  that  grew 
at  the  edge  of  the  water,  the  divine  power  that  dwelt  in  the 
body  of  Osiris  imparted  such  strength  to  the  shrub  that  it  grew 
into  a  mighty  tree,  enclosing  in  its  trunk  the  coffin  of  the  god. 
This  tree,  with  its  sacred  deposit,  was  shortly  afterward  felled, 
and  erected  as  a  column  in  the  palace  of  the  king  of  Phoenicia. 


But  at  length,  by  the  aid  of  Anubis  and  the  sacred  birds,  Isis 
ascertained  these  facts,  and  then  went  to  the  royal  city.  There 
slie  offered  herself  at  the  palace  as  a  servant,  and  being  ad- 
mitted, threw  off  her  disguise  and  appeared  as  the  goddess, 
surrounded  with  thunder  and  lightning.  Striking  the  column 
with  her  wand,  she  caused  it  to  split  open  and  give  up  the 
sacred  coffin.  This  she  seized  and  returned  with  it,  and  con- 
cealed it  in  the  depth  of  a  forest,  but  Typhon  discovered  it, 
and  cutting  the  body  into  fourteen  pieces,  scattered  them 
hither  and  thither.  After  a  tedious  search,  Isis  found  thirteen 
pieces,  the  fishes  of  the  Nile  having  eaten  the  other.  This  she 
replaced  by  an  imitation  of  sycamore  wood,  and  buried  the 
l)ody  at  Philoe,  which  became  ever  after  the  great  burying- 
place  of  the  nation,  and  the  spot  to  which  pilgrimages  were 


362 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


made  from  all  parts  of  the  country.  A  temple  of  surpassing 
magnificence  was  also  erected  there  in  honor  of  the  god,  and 
at  every  place  where  one  of  his  limbs  had  been  found,  minor 
temples  and  tombs  were  built  to  commemorate  the  event. 
Osiris  became  after  that  the  tutelar  deity  of  the  Egyptians. 
His  soul  was  supposed  always  to  inhabit  the  body  of  the  bull 
Apis,  and  at  his  death  to  transfer  itself  to  his  successor. 

Apis,  the  Bull  of  Memphis,  was 
worshipped  with  the  greatest  rever- 
ence by  the  Egyptians.  As  soon  as  a 
bull  marked  with  the  marks  which 
have  been  described,  was  found  by 
those  sent  in  search  of  him,  he  M^as 
placed  in  a  building  facing  the  east, 
and  was  fed  with  milk  for  four  months. 
At  the  expiration  of  this  term  the 
priests  repaired  at  new  moon,  with 
great  pomp,  to  his  habiation,  and  sa- 
luted him  Apis.  He  was  placed  in  a 
vessel  magnificently  decorated  and 
conveyed  down  the  Nile  to  Memphis, 
where  a  temjjle,  with  two  chapels  and 
a  court  for  exercise,  was  assigned  to 
him.  Sacrifices  were  made  to  him, 
and  once  every  year,  about  the  time  when  the  Nile  began  to 
rise,  a  golden  cup  was  thrown  into  the  river,  and  a  grand  festi- 
val was  held  to  celebrate  his  birthday.  The  people  believed  that 
during  this  festival  the  crocodiles  forgot  their  natural  ferocity 
and  became  harmless.  There  was  however  one  drawback  to 
his  happy  lot;  he  was  not  permitted  to  live  beyond  a  certain 
period ;  and  if  when  he  had  attained  the  age  of  twenty-five 
years,  he  still  survived,  the  priests  drowned  him  in  the  sacred 
cistern,  and  then  buried  him  in  the  temple  of  Serapis.  On  the 
death  of  this  bull,  whether  it  occurred  in  the  course  of  nature 
or  by  violence,  the  whole  land  was  filled  with  sorrow  and 
lamentations,  which  lasted  until  his  successor  was  found. 

A  new  Apis  was  found  as  late  as  the  reign  of  Hadrian.     A 


ORACLES.  363 

mummy  made  from  one  of  the  Sacred  Bulls  may  be  seen  in  the 
Egyptian  collection  of  the  Historical  Society,  New  York. 

Milton,  in  his  Hymn  of  the  Nativity,  alludes  to  the  Egyptian 
deities,  not  as  imaginary  beings,  but  as  real  demons  put  to 
flight  by  the  coming  of  Christ':  — 

"  The  brutish  gods  of  Nile  as  fast, 
Isis  and  Horus  and  the  dog  Anubis  haste. 

Nor  is  Osiris  seen 

In  Memphian  grove  or  green 
Trampling  the  '  unshowered  grass  with  lowings  loud  ; 

Nor  can  he  be  at  rest 

Within  his  sacred  chest ; 
Nought  but  profoundest  hell  can  be  his  shroud. 

In  vain  with  timbrel'd  anthems  dark 
The  sable-stoled  sorcerers  bear  his  worshipped  ark." 

Isis  was  represented  in  statuary  with  the  head  veiled,  a 
symbol  of  mystery.  It  is  this  which  Tennyson  alludes  to 
in  Maud,  IV.  8:  — 

"  For  the  drift  of  the  Maker  is  dark,  an  Isis  hid  by  the  veil." 


Oracles. 

Oracle  was  the  name  used  to  denote  the  place  where  answers 
were  sitpposed  to  be  given  by  any  of  the  divinities  to  those  who 
consulted  them  respecting  the  future.  The  word  was  also  used 
to  signify  the  response  which  was  given. 

The  most  ancient  Grecian  oracle  was  that  of  Jupiter  at 
Dodona.  According  to  one  account  it  was  established  in  the 
following  manner.  Two  black  doves  took  their  flight  from 
Thebes  in  Egypt.  One  flew  to  Dodona  in  Epirus  and  alighting 
in  a  grove  of  oaks,  it  proclaimed  in  human  language  to  the 
inhabitants  of  the  district  that  they  must  establish  there  an 
oracle  of  Jupiter.     The  other  dove  flew  to  the  temple  of  Jupiter 

'  There  being  no  rain  in  Egypt,  the  grass  is  "unshowered,"  and  the  country 
depends  for  its  fertility  upon  the  overflowings  of  the  Nile.  The  ark  alluded  to  in 
the  last  line  is  shown  by  pictures  still  remaining  on  the  walls  of  the  Egyptian 
temples  to  have  been  borne  by  the  priests  in  their  religious  processions.  It  prob- 
ably represented  the  chest  in  which  Osiris  was  placed. 


3(34  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Amnion  in  the  Libyan  oasis,  and  delivered  a  similar  command 
there.  Another  account  is,  that  they  were  not  doves,  but 
j)riestesses,  Avho  were  carried  off  from  Thebes  in  Egypt  by  the 
Phoenicians,  and  set  up  oracles  at  Oasis  and  Dodona.  The 
responses  of  the  oracle  were  given  from  the  trees,  by  the 
branches  rustling  in  the  wind,  the  sounds  being  interpreted  by 
the  priests. 

But  the  most  celebrated  of  the  Grecian  oracles  was  that  of 
Apollo  at  Delphi,  a  city  built  on  the  slopes  of  Parnassus  in 
Phocis. 

It  had  been  observed  at  a  very  early  period  that  the  goats 
feeding  on  Parnassus  were  thrown  into  convulsions  when  they 
approached  a  certain  long  deep  cleft  in  the  side  of  the  moun- 
tain. This  was  owing  to  a  peculiar  vapor  arising  out  of  the 
cavern,  and  one  of  the  goatherds  was  induced  to  try  its  effects 
upon  himself.  Inhaling  the  intoxicating  air  he  Avas  affected  in 
the  same  manner  as  the  cattle  had  been,  and  the  inhabitants  of 
the  surrounding  country,  unable  to  exjDlain  the  circumstance, 
imputed  the  convulsive  ravings  to  which  he  gave  utterance 
while  under  the  power  of  the  exhalations,  to  a  divine  inspira- 
tion. The  fact  was  sj^eedily  circulated  widely,  and  a  temple 
Avas  erected  on  the  spot.  The  prophetic  influence  was  at  first 
variously  attributed  to  the  goddess  Earth,  to  Neptune,  Themis, 
and  others,  but  it  Avas  at  length  assigned  to  Apollo,  and  to  him 
alone.  A  priestess  Avas  appointed  AA'hose  office  it  Avas  to  inhale 
the  hallowed  air,  and  who  Avas  named  the  Pythia.  She  AA'as 
prepared  for  this  duty  by  previous  ablution  at  the  fountain  of 
Castalia,  and  being  croAvned  Avith  laurel  Avas  seated  upon  a 
tripod  similarly  adorned,  Avhich  was  placed  over  the  chasm 
whence  the  divine  afflatus  proceeded.  Her  inspired  Avords 
Avhile  thus  situated  Avere  interpreted  by  the  jDi'iests. 


Oracle  of  Trophonifs. 

Besides  the  oracles  of  Jupiter  and  Apollo,  at  Dodona  and 
Delphi,  that  of  Trophonius  in  Bccotia  Avas  held  in  high  estima- 
tion.    Trophonius  and  Agamedes  were  brothers.     They  were 


ORACLES.  365 

distinguished  architects,  and  built  the  temple  of  Apollo  at 
Delphi,  and  a  treasury  for  King  Hyrieus.  In  the  wall  of  the 
treasury  they  placed  a  stone,  in  such  a  manner  that  it  could  be 
taken  out ;  and  by  this  means  from  time  to  time  purloined  the 
treasure.  This  amazed  Hyrieus,  for  his  locks  and  seals  were 
untouched,  and  yet  his  wealth  continually  diminished.  At 
length  he  set  a  trap  for  the  thief  and  Agamedes  was  caught. 
Trophonius  unable  to  extricate  him,  and  fearing  that  when 
found  he  would  be  compelled  by  torture  to  discover  his  accom- 
plice, cut  off  his  head.  Trophonius  himself  is  said  to  have  been 
shortly  afterwards  swallowed  n^  by  the  earth. 

The  oracle  of  Trophonius  was  at  Lebadea  in  Boeotia.  During 
a  great  drought  the  Boeotians,  it  is  said,  were  directed  by  the 
god  at  Delphi  to  seek  aid  of  Trophonius  at  Lebadea.  They 
came  thither,  but  could  find  no  oracle.  One  of  them,  however, 
happening  to  see  a  swarm  of  bees,  followed  them  to  a  chasm  in 
tlie  earth,  Avhich  proved  to  be  the  place  sought. 

Peculiar  ceremonies  were  to  be  performed  by  the  person 
who  came  to  consult  the  oracle.  After  these  preliminaries,  he 
descended  into  the  cave  by  a  narrow  passage.  This  place 
could  be  entered  only  in  the  night.  The  person  returned  from 
the  cave  by  the  same  narrow  passage,  but  walking  backwards. 
He  appeared  melancholy  and  dejected  ;  and  hence  the  proverb 
which  was  applied  to  a  person  low-spirited  and  gloomy,  "He 
has  been  consulting  the  oracle  of  Trophonius." 


Oracle  of  ^sculapius. 

There  were  numerous  oracles  of  ^sculapius,  but  the  most 
celebrated  one  was  at  Epidaurus.  Here  the  sick  sought  re- 
sponses and  the  recovery  of  their  health  by  sleeping  in  the 
temple.  It  has  been  inferred  from  the  accounts  that  have 
come  down  to  us,  that  the  treatment  of  the  sick  resembled 
what  is  now  called  Animal  Magnetism  or  Mesmerism. 

Serpents  were  sacred  to  ^sculapius,  probably  because  of  a 
superstition  that  those  animals  have  a  faculty  of  renewing 
their  youth  by  a  change  of  skin.     The  worship  of  ^sculapius 


'S66  STORIES    OF    GODS    AM)    HEROES. 

was  introduced  into  Rome  in  a  time  of  great  sickness,  and  an 
embassy  sent  to  the  temple  of  Epidaurus  to  entreat  the  aid  of 
the  god.  ^Esculapius  was  propitious,  and  on  the  return  of  the 
ship  accompanied  it  in  the  form  of  a  serpent.  Arriving  in  the 
river  Tiber,  the  serpent  glided  from  the  vessel  and  took  pos- 
session of  an  island  in  the  river,  and  a  temple  was  there  erected 
to  his  honor. 

Oracle  of  Apis. 

At  Memphis  the  sacred  bull  Apis  gave  answer  to  those  who 
consulted  him,  by  the  manner  in  which  he  received  or  rejected 
what  was  presented  to  him.  If  the  bull  refused  food  from  the 
hand  of  the  inquirer  it  was  considered  an  unfavorable  sign, 
and  the  contrary  when  he  received  it. 

It  has  been  a  question  whether  oracular  responses  ought  to 
be  ascribed  to  mere  human  contrivance  or  to  the  agency  of  evil 
spirits.  The  latter  opinion  has  been  most  general  in  past  ages. 
A  third  theory  has  been  advanced  since  the  phenomena  of 
Mesmerism  have  attracted  attention,  that  something  like  the 
mesmeric  trance  was  induced  in  the  Pythoness,  and  the  faculty 
of  clairvoyance  really  called  into  action. 

Another  question  is  as  to  the  time  when  the  Pagan  oracles 
ceased  to  give  responses.  Ancient  Christian  writers  assert  that 
they  became  silent  at  the  birth  of  Christ,  and  were  heard  no 
more  after  that  date.  Milton  adopts  this  view  in  his  Hymn  of 
the  Nativity,  and  in  lines  of  solemn  and  elevated  beauty  pic- 
tures the  consternation  of  the  heathen  idols  at  the  advent  of 
the  Saviour. 

"The  oracles  are  dumb; 
No  voice  or  hideous  hum 

Ring-s  through  the  arched  roof  in  words  deceiving. 
Apollo  from  his  shrine 
Can  no  more  divine, 

With  hollow  shriek  the  steep  of  Delphos  leaving. 
No  nightly  trance  or  breathed  spell 
Inspires  the  pale-eyed  priest  from  the  prophetic  cell." 

In  Cowper's  poem  of  Yardley  Oak  there  are  some  beautiful 
mythological  allusions.     The  former  of  the  two  following  is  to 


OKACLES.  367 

the  fable  of  Castor  and  Pollux ;  the  latter  is  more  appropriate 
to  our  present  subject.     Addressing  the  acorn  he  says, — 

"  Thou  fell'st  mature ;  and  in  the  loamy  clod, 
Swelling  with  vegetative  force  instinct, 
Didst  burst  thine  egg,  as  theirs  the  fabled  Twins 
Now  stars  ;  two  lobes  protruding,  paired  exact ; 
A  leaf  succeeded  and  another  leaf, 
And,  all  the  elements  thy  puny  growth 
Fostering  propitious,  thou  becam'st  a  twig. 
Who  lived  when  thou  wast  such  ?     Oh,  couldst  thou  speak 
As  in  Dodona  once  thy  kindred  trees 
Oracular,  I  would  not  curious  ask 
The  future,  best  unknown,  but  at  thy  mouth 
Inquisitive,  the  less  ambiguous  past." 

Tennyson  in  his  Talking-  Oak  alludes  to  the  oaks  of  Dodona 
in  these  lines  :  — 

"  And  I  will  work  in  prose  and  rhyme. 

And  praise  thee  more  in  both 
Than  bard  has  honored  beech  or  lime. 

Or  that  Thessalian  growth 
In  which  the  swarthy  ring-dove  sat 

And  mystic  sentence  spoke. " 

Byron  alludes  to  the  oracle  of  Delphi  where,  speaking  of 
Rousseau,  whose  writings  he  conceives  did  much  to  bring  on 
the  French  revolution,  he  says,  — 

"  For  then  he  was  inspired,  and  from  him  came, 
As  from  the  Py  thian's  mystic  cave  of  yore, 
Those  oracles  which  set  the  world  in  flame, 
Nor  ceased  to  burn  till  kingdoms  were  no  more." 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

ORIGIN   OF   MYTHOLOGY.  —  STATUES    OF   GODS    AND    GOD- 
DESSES.—POETS   OF   MYTHOLOGY. 


HAVING  reached  the  close  of  our  series  of  stories  of  Pagan 
mythology,  an  inquiry  suggests  itself.  "  Whence  came 
these  stories  ?  Have  they  a  foundation  in  truth,  or  are  they 
simply  dreams  of  the  imagination '? "  Philosophers  have  sug- 
gested various  theories  on  the  subject  of  which  we  shall  give 
three  or  four. 

1.  The  Scriptural  theory;  according  to  Avhich  all  mytho- 
logical legends  are  derived  from  the  narratives  of  Scripture, 
thougli  the  real  facts  have  been  disguised  and  altered.  Thus 
Deucalion  is  only  another  name  for  Noah,  Hercules  for  Sam- 
son, Arion  for  Jonah,  etc.  Sir  Walter  Raleigh,  in  his  History 
of  the  World,  says,  "  Jubal,  Tubal,  and  Tubal-Cain  were  Mer- 
cury, Vulcan,  and  Apollo,  inventors  of  Pasturage,  Smithing, 
and  Music.  The  Dragon  which  kept  the  golden  apples  was 
the  serpent  that  beguiled  Eve.  Nimrod's  tower  was  the  at- 
tempt of  the  Giants  against  Heaven."  There  are  doubtless 
many  curious  coincidences  like  these,  but  the  theory  cannot 

(368) 


ORIGIN    OF    MYTHOLOGY.  369 

without  extravagance  be  pushed  so  far  as  to  account  for  any 
great  proportion  of  the  stories. 

2.  The  Historical  theory ;  according  to  which  all  the  persons 
mentioned  in  mythology  were  once  real  human  beings,  and  the 
legends  and  fabulous  traditions  relating  to  them  are  merely 
the  additions  and  embellishments  of  later  times.  Thus  the 
story  of  ^olus,  the  king  and  god  of  the  winds,  is  supposed  to 
have  risen  from  the  fact  that  ^olus  was  the  ruler  of  some 
islands' in  the  Tyrrhenian  Sea,  where  he  reigned  as  a  just  and 
pious  king,  and  taught  the  natives  the  use  of  sails  for  ships, 
and  how  to  tell  from  the  signs  of  the  atmosphere  the  changes 
of  the  weather  and  the  winds.  Cadmus,  who,  the  legend  says, 
sowed  the  earth  with  dragon's  teeth,  from  which  sprang  a  crop 
of  armed  men,  was  in  fact  an  emigrant  from  Phoenicia,  and 
brought  with  him  into  Greece  the  knowledge  of  the  letters  of 
the  alphabet,  which  he  taught  to  the  natives.  From  these 
rudiments  of  learning  sprung  civilization,  which  the  poets  have 
always  been  prone  to  describe  as  a  deterioration  of  man's  first 
estate,  the  Golden  Age  of  innocence  and  simplicity. 

3.  The  Allegorical  theory  supposes  that  all  the  myths  of  the 
aucients  were  allegorical  and  symbolical,  and  contained  some 
moral,  religious,  or  philosophical  truth  or  historical  fact,  under 
the  form  of  an  allegory,  but  came  in  process  of  time  to  be 
understood  literally.  Thus  Saturn,  who  devours  his  own  chil- 
dren, is  the  same  power  whom  the  Greeks  called  Kronos 
(Time),^  which  may  truly  be  said  to  destroy  whatever  it  has 
brought  into  existence.  The  story  of  lo  is  interpreted  in 
a  similar  manner.  lo  is  the  moon,  and  Argus  the  starry  sky, 
which,  as  it  were,  keeps  sleepless  watch  over  her.  The  fabu- 
lous wanderings  of  lo  represent  the  continual  revolutions  of  the 
moon,  which  also  suggested  to  Milton  the  same  idea. 

"  To  behold  the  wandering-  moon 
Riding  near  her  highest  noon, 
Like  one  that  had  been  led  astray 
In  the  heaven's  wide,  pathless  way." 

II  Penseroso. 

4.  The  Astronomical  theory  supposes  that  the  different  stories 
are  corrupted  versions  of  astronomical  statements,  of  which  the 

1  Sec  page  8. 


370  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

true  meaiung  was   forgotten.      This  theory  is  pushed  to  its 
extreme  by  Dupuis,  in  his  treatise  "  Sur  tous  les  cultes." 

5.  The  Physical  theory,  according  to  which  tlie  elements  of 
air,  fire,  and  water,  were  originally  the  objects  of  religious 
adoration,  and  the  principal  deities  were  personifications  of  tlie 
powers  of  nature.  The  transition  was  easy  from  a  j^ersonifica- 
tion  of  the  elements  to  the  notion  of  supernatural  beings  pre- 
siding over  and  governing  the  different  objects  of  nature.  The 
Greeks,  whose  imagination  was  lively,  peopled  all  nature  witli 
invisible  beings,  and  supposed  that  every  object,  from  the  sun 
and  sea  to  the  smallest  fountain  and  rivulet,  was  under  tlie 
care  of  some  particular  divinity.  Wordsworth,  in  his  Excursion, 
has  beautifully  developed  this  view  of  Grecian  mytliology. 

"  In  that  fair  clime  the  lonely  herdsman,  stretched 
On  the  soft  grass  through  half  a  summer's  day, 
With  music  lulled  his  indolent  repose ; 
And,  in  some  fit  of  weariness,  if  he, 
When  his  own  breath  was  silent,  chanced  to  hear 
A  distant  strain  fiir  sweeter  than  the  sounds 
Which  his  poor  skill  could  make,  his  fancy  fetched 
Even  from  the  blazing  chariot  of  the  Sun 
A  beardless  youth  who  touched  a  golden  lute, 
And  filled  the  illumined  groves  with  ravishment. 
The  mighty  hunter,  lifting  up  his  eyes 
Toward  the  crescent  Moon,  with  grateful  heai't 
Called  on  the  lovely  Wanderer  who  bestowed 
That  timely  light  to  share  his  joyous  sport ; 
And  hence  a  beaming  goddess  with  her  nymphs 
Across  the  lawn  and  through  the  darksome  grove 
(Not  unaccompanied  with  tuneful  notes 
By  echo  multiplied  from  rock  or  cave) 
Swept  in  the  storm  of  chase,  as  moon  and  stars 
Glance  rapidly  along  the  clouded  heaven 
When  winds  are  blowing  strong.     The  traveller  slaked 
His  thirst  from  rill  or  gushing  fount,  and  thanked 
The  Naiad.     Sunbeams  upon  distant  hills 
Gliding  apace  with  shadows  in  their  train. 
Might  with  small  help  from  fancy,  be  transformed 
Into  fleet  Oreads  sporting  visibly. 
The  Zephyrs,  fanning,  as  they  passed,  their  wings. 
Lacked  not  for  love  fair  objects  whom  they  wooed 
With  gentle  whisper.     Withered  boughs  grotesque, 
Stripped  of  their  leaves  and  twigs  by  hoary  age. 
From  depth  of  shaggy  covert  peeping  forth 
In  the  low  vale,  or  on  steep  mountain  side ; 


ORIGIN    OF    MYTHOLOGY.  371 

And  sometimes  intermixed  with  stirring-  horns 
Of  the  live  deer,  or  goat's  depending  beard ; 
These  were  the  lurking  Satyrs,  a  wild  brood 
Of  gamesome  deities  ;  or  Pan  himself. 
The  simple  shepherd's  awe-inspiring  god." 

All  the  theories  Avhich  have  been  mentioned  are  true  to  a 
certain  extent.  It  would  therefore  be  more  correct  to  say  that 
the  mythology  of  a  nation  has  sprung  from  all  these  sources 
combined  than  from  any  one  in  particular.  We  may  add  also 
that  there  are  many  myths  which  have  arisen  from  the  desire 
of  man  to  account  for  those  natural  j^henomena  which  he 
cannot  understand ;  and  not  a  few  have  had  their  rise  from  a 
similar  desire  of  giving  a  reason  for  the  names  of  places  and 
persons. 

Statues  op  the  Gods. 

Adequately  to  represent  to  the  eye  the  ideas  intended  to  be 
conveyed  to  the  mind  under  the  several  names  of  deities,  was 
a  task  which  called  into  exercise  the  highest  powers  of  genius 
and  art.  Of  the  many  attempts  four  have  been  most  cele- 
brated, the  first  two  known  to  us  only  by  the  descriptions 
of  the  ancients,  and  by  copies  on  gems,  which  are  still  pre- 
served ;  the  other  two  still  extant  and  the  acknowledged  mas- 
terpieces of  the  sculptor's  art. 


The  Olympian  Jupiter. 

The  statue  of  the  Olympian  Jupiter  by  Phidias  was  consid- 
ered the  highest  achievement  of  this  department  of  Grecian 
art.  It  was  of  colossal  dimensions,  and  was  Avhat  the  ancients 
called  "  chryselephantine ; "  that  is,  composed  of  ivory  and 
gold :  the  parts  representing  flesh  being  of  ivory  laid  on  a  core 
of  wood  or  stone,  while  the  drapery  and  other  ornaments 
were  of  gold.  The  height  of  the  figure  Avas  forty  feet,  on  a 
pedestal  twelve  feet  high.  The  god  was  represented  seated  on 
his  throne.     His  brows  were  crowned  with  a  wreath  of  olive, 


372 


STORIES    or    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


and  he  held  in  his  right  hand  a  sceptre,  and  in  his  left  a  statue 
of  Victory.     The  throne  was  of  cedar,  adorned  with  gold  and 

precious  stones. 


THE    OLYMPIAN    JUPITER. 

The  idea  which  the  artist  essayed  to  embody  was  that  of  the 
supreme  deity  of  the  Hellenic  (Grecian)  nation,  enthroned  as  a 
conqueror,  in  perfect  majesty  and  repose,  and  ruling  with  a  nod 
the  subject  world.  Phidias  avowed  that  he  took  his  idea  from 
the  representation  which  Homer  gives  in  the  first  book  of  the 
Iliad,  in  the  passage  thus  translated  by  Pope  :  — 


ORIGIN    OF    MYTHOLOGY.  373 

'  He  spoke  and  awful  bends  his  sable  brows, 
Shakes  his  ambrosial  curls  and  gives  the  nod, 
The  stamp  of  fate  and  sanction  of  the  god. 
High  heaven  with  reverence  the  dread  signal  took, 
And  all  Olympus  to  the  centre  shook."  i 


The  Mixerva  of  the  Parthenon. 

This  was  also  tlie  work  of  Phidias.  It  stood  in  the  Parthe- 
non, or  temple  of  Minerva  at  Athens.  The  goddess  was  rej)- 
resented  standing.  In  one  hand  she  held  a  sjjear,  in  the  other 
a  statue  of  Victory.  Her  helmet,  highly  decorated,  was  sur- 
mounted by  a  Sphinx.  The  statue  was  forty  feet  in  height, 
and,  like  the  Jujjiter,  composed  of  ivory  and  gold.  The  eyes 
were  of  marble,  and  probably  painted  to  represent  the  iris  and 
pupil.  The  Parthenon  in  which  this  statue  stood  was  also 
constructed  under  the  direction  and  superintendence  of  Phid- 
ias. Its  exterior  was  enriched  with  sculptures,  many  of  them 
from  the  hand  of  Phidias.  The  Elgin  marbles  now  in  the 
British  Museum  are  a  part  of  them. 

Both  the  Jupiter  and  Minerva  of  Phidias  are  lost,  but  there 
is  good  ground  to  believe  that  we  have,  in  several  extant  stat- 
ues and  busts,  the  artist's  conceptions  of  the  countenances  of 
both.  They  are  characterized  by  grave  and  dignified  beauty, 
and  freedom  from  any  transient  expression,  which  in  the  lan- 
guage of  art  is  called  repose. 

1  Cowper's  version  is  less  elegant,  but  truer  to  the  original. 

"  He  ceased,  and  under  his  dark  brows  the  nod 
Vouchsafed  of  confirmation.     All  around 
The  sovereign's  everlasting  head  his  curls 
Ambrosial  shook,  and  the  huge  mountain  reeled." 

It  may  interest  our  readers  to  see  how  this  passage  appears  in  another  famous 
version,  "that  which  was  issued  under  the  name  of  Tickell,  contemporaneously 
with  Pope's,  and  which,  being  by  many  attributed  to  Addison,  led  to  the  quarrel 
which  ensued  between  Addison  and  Pope. 

"This  said,  his  kingly  brow  the  sire  inclined  ; 
The  large  black  curls  fell  awful  from  behind. 
Thick  shadowing  the  stern  forehead  of  the  god ; 
Olympus  trembled  at  the  almighty  nod." 


374  STORIES  or  gods  and  heroes 


The  Venus  de'  Medici. 

The  Venus  of  the  Medici  is  so  called  from  its  having  been 
in  the  possession  of  the  princes  of  that  name  in  Rome  when  it 
first  attracted  attention,  about  two  hundred  years  ago.  An 
inscription  on  the  base  records  it  to  be  tlie  work  of  Cleomenes, 
an  Athenian  sculptor  of  200  B.  C,  but  the  authenticity  of  the 
inscription  is  doubtful.  There  is  a  story  that  the  artist  was 
employed  by  jjublic  authority  to  make  a  statue  exhibiting  the 
pei-fection  of  female  beauty,  and  to  aid  him  in  his  task,  the 
most  perfect  forms  the  city  could  supply  were  furnished  him 
for  models.  It  is  this  which  Thomson  alludes  to  in  his 
Summer. 

"  So  stands  the  statue  tliat  enchants  the  world ; 

So  bending  tries  to  veil  the  matchless  boast, 

The  mingled  beauties  of  exulting  Greece." 

Byron  also  alludes  to  this  statue.  Speaking  of  the  Florence 
Museum,  he  says  :  — 

"  There  too  the  goddess  loves  in  stone,  and  fills 
The  air  around  with  beauty  ;  " 

And  in  the  next  stanzn,  — 

"  Blood,  pulse,  and  breast  confirm  the  Dardan  shepherd's  prize." 

This  last  allusion  is  explained  in  Chapter  XX. 


The  Apollo  Belvedere. 

The  most  highly  esteemed  of  all  the  remains  of  ancient  sculp- 
ture is  the  statue  of  Apollo,  called  the  Belvedere,  from  the 
name  of  the  apai'tment  of  the  Pope's  palace  at  Rome,  in  which 
it  is  placed.  The  artist  is  unknown.  It  is  supposed  to  be  a 
work  of  Roman  art,  of  about  the  first  century  of  our  era.  It 
is  a  standing  figure,  in  marble,  more  than  seven  feet  high, 
naked  except  for  the  cloak  which  is  fastened  around  the  neck 
and  hangs  over  the  extended  left  arm.  It  is  supposed  to  rep- 
resent the  god  in  the  moment  when  he  has  shot  the  arrow  to 


ORIGIN    OF    MYTHOLOGY. 


375 


destroy  the  monster  Python.  (See  Chaj^ter  II.)  The  victori- 
ous divinity  is  in  the  act  of  stepj^ing  forward.  The  left  arm 
which  seems  to  have  held  the  bow  is  outstretched,  and  the 
head  is  turned  in  the  same  direction.     In  attitude  and  propor- 


LLO   BELVEDERE. 


tion  the  graceful  majesty  of  the  figure  is  unsurpassed.  The 
effect  is  completed  by  the  countenance,  where,  on  the  perfec- 
tion of  youthful  godlike  beauty  there  dwells  the  consciousness 
of  triumphant  power. 


Thk  Diana  a  La  Biciie. 

The  Diana  of  the  Hind,  in  the  palace  of  the  Louvre,  may  be 
considered  the  counterpart  to  the  Apollo  Belvedere.  The  atti- 
tude much  resembles  that  of  the  Apollo,  the  sizes  correspond 
and  also  the   style  of  execution.     It  is  a  work  of  the  highest 


376 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


order,  though  by  no  means  equal  to  the  Apollo.  The  attitude 
is  that  of  hurried  and  eager  motion,  the  face  that  of  a  huntress 
in  the  excitement  of  the  chase.  The  left  hand  is  extended 
over  the  forehead  of  the  Hind  which  runs  by  her  side,  the  right 
arm  reaches  backward  over  the  shoulder  to  draw  an  arrow 
from  the  quiver. 

The  Venus  of  Melos. 

Of  the  Venus  of  Melos,  perhaps  the 
most  famous  of  our  statues  of  myth- 
ology, very  little  is  known.  There 
are  many  indeed  who  believe  that  it 
is  not  a  statue  of  Venus  at  all. 

It  was  found  in  the  year  1820  in 
the  Island  of  Melos  by  a  peasant,  who 
sold  it  to  the  French  consul  at  the 
place.  The  statue  was  standing  in 
the  theatre,  which  had  been  filled  up 
with  rubbish  in  the  course  of  cen- 
turies, and  when  discovered  was 
broken  in  several  ])laces,  and  some  of 
the  pieces  Avere  gone.  These  missing 
pieces,  notably  the  two  arras,  have 
been  restored  in  various  ways  by 
modern  artists.  As  has  been  said 
above,  there  is  a  controversy  as  to 
whether  the  statue  represents  Venus 
or  some  other  goddess.  Much  has 
been  written  on  each  side,  but  the 
question  still  remains  unsettled.  The 
general  opinion  of  those  who  contend 
that  it  is  not  Venus  is  that  it  is  a 
statue  of  Nike  or  Victory. 


VKNUS  OF   MKLO 


The  Poets  of  Mythologv. 


Homer,  from  whose  poems  of  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey  we  have 
taken  the  chief  part  of  our  chapters  of  the  Trojan  war.  and  the 
return  of  the  Grecians,  is  almost  as  mythical  a  personage  as 


THE    POETS    OF    IMYTHOLOGY.  377 

the  heroes  he  celebrates.  The  traditionary  story  is  that  he 
was  a  wandering  minstrel,  blind  and  old,  who  travelled  from 
place  to  place  singing  his  lays  to  the  music  of  his  harp,  in  the 
courts  of  princes  or  the  cottages  of  peasants,  and  dependent 
upon  the  voluntary  offerings  of  his  hearers  for  support.  Byron 
calls  him  "The  blind  old  man  of  Scio's  rocky  isle,"  and  a  well- 
known  epigram,  alluding  to  the  uncertainty  of  the  fact  of  his 
birthplace,  says,  — 

"  Seven  wealthy  towns  contend  foi-  Homer  dead, 
Thi-ough  which  the  living  Homer  begged  his  bread." 

An  older  version  is,  — 

"  Seven  cities  warred  for  Homer  being  dead, 
Who  living  had  no  roof  to  shroud  his  head." 

These  lines  are  by  Tliomas  Ileywood  ;  the  others  are  ascribed 
to  Thomas  Seward. 

These  seven  cities  were  Smyrna,  Scio,  Rhodes,  Colophon, 
Salamis,  Argos,  and  Athens. 

Modern  scholars  have  doubted  whether  the  Hgmeric  poems 
are  the  work  of  any  single  mind.  This  arises  from  the  diffi- 
culty of  believing  that  poems  of  such  length  could  have  been 
committed  to  writing  at  so  early  an  age  as  that  usually  assigned 
to  these,  an  age  earlier  than  the  date  of  any  remaining  inscrip- 
tions or  coins,  and  when  no  materials,  capable  of  containing 
such  long  productions  were  yet  introduced  into  use.  On  the 
other  hand  it  is  asked  how  poems  of  such  length  could  have 
been  handed  down  from  age  to  age  by  means  of  the  memory 
alone.  This  is  answered  by  the  statement  that  there  was  a 
professional  body  of  men,  called  Rhapsodists,  wdio  recited  the 
poems  of  others,  and  whose  business  it  was  to  commit  to 
memory  and  rehearse  for  pay  the  national  and  patriotic  legends. 

The  prevailing  oj^inion  of  the  learned,  at  this  time,  seems  to 
be  that  the  framework  and  much  of  the  structure  of  the  poems 
belong  to  Homer,  but  that  there  are  numerous  interpolations 
and  additions  by  other  hands. 

The  date  assigned  to  Homer,  on  the  authority  of  Herodotus, 
is  850  B.  C,  but  a  range  of  two  or  three  centuries  must  be 
given  for  the  various  conjectures  of  critics. 


378  STOKIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


Virgil. 

Virgil,  called  also  by  liis  surname,  Maro,  from  whose  poem 
of  the  ^neid  we  have  taken  the  story  of  ^neas,  was  one  of 
the  great  poets  who  made  the  reign  of  the  Roman  emperor, 
Augustus,  so  celebrated,  under  the  name  of  the  Augustan  age. 
Virgil  Was  born  in  Mantua  in  the  year  70  B.  C.  His  great 
poem  is  ranked  next  to  those  of  Homer,  in  the  liighest  class  of 
poetical  composition,  the  Epic.  Virgil  is  far  inferior  to  Homer 
in  originality  and  invention,  but  superior  to  him  in  correctness 
and  elegance.  To  critics  of  English  lineage  Milton  alone  of 
modern  poets  seems  worthy  to  be  classed  with  these  illustrious 
ancients.  His  poem  of  Paradise  Lost,  from  which  we  have 
borrowed  so  many  illustrations,  is  in  many  respects  equal,  in 
some  superior,  to  either  of  the  great  works  of  antiquity.  The 
following  epigram  of  Dryden  characterizes  the  three  poets  with 
as  much  truth  as  it  is  usual  to  find  in  such  pointed  criticism:— = 

On  Milton. 

"  Three  poets  in  three  different  ages  born, 
Greece,  Italy,  and  England  did  adoin. 
The  first  in  loftiness  of  soul  surpassed, 
The  next  in  majestj',  in  both  the  last. 
The  force  of  nature  could  no  further  go ; 
To  make  a  third  she  joined  the  other  two." 


From  Oowper's  Table  Talk 


Ages  elapsed  ei-e  Homer's  lamp  appeared, 
And  ages  ere  the  Mantuan  swan  was  heard. 
To  carry  nature  lengths  unknown  before. 
To  give  a  jNIilton  birth,  asked  ages  more. 
Thus  genius  rose  and  set  at  ordered  times, 
And  shot  a  dayspring  into  distant  climes. 
Ennobling  every  region  that  he  chose ; 
He  sunk  in  Greece,  in  Italy  he  rose, 
And,  tedious  years  of  Gothic  darkness  past, 
Emerged  all  splendor  in  our  isle  at  last. 
Thus  lovely  halcyons  dive  into  the  main. 
Then  show  far  off  their  shining  plumes  again.' 


THE    POETS    OF   MYTHOLOGY.  379 


Ovid. 


Often  alluded  to  in  poetry  by  his  other  name  of  Naso,  was 
born  in  the  year  43  B.  C.  He  was  educated  for  public  life  and 
held  some  offices  of  considerable  dignity,  but  poetry  was  his 
delight,  and  he  early  resolved  to  devote  himself  to  it.  He 
accordingly  sought  the  society  of  the  contemporary  poets,  and 
was  acquainted  with  Horace  and  saw  Virgil,  though  the  latter 
died  when  Ovid  was  yet  too  young  and  undistinguished  to  have 
formed  his  acquaintance.  Ovid  spent  an  easy  life  at  Rome  in 
the  enjoyment  of  a  competent  income.  He  was  intimate  with 
the  family  of  Augustus,  the  emperor,  and  it  is  supposed  that 
some  serious  offence  given  to  some  member  of  that  family  Avas 
the  cause  of  an  event  which  reversed  the  poet's  happy  circum- 
stances and  clouded  all  the  latter  portion  of  his  life.  At  the 
age  of  fifty  he  was  banished  from  Rome,  and  ordered  to  betake 
himself  to  Tomi,  on  the  borders  of  the  Black  Sea.  Here, 
among  the  barbarous  peoj^le  and  in  a  severe  climate,  the  poet, 
Avho  had  been  accustomed  to  all  the  j^leasures  of  a  luxurious 
capital  and  the  society  of  his  most  distinguished  contemporaries, 
spent  the  last  ten  years  of  his  life,  worn  out  with  grief  and 
anxiety.  His  only  consolation  in  exile  was  to  address  his  Avife 
and  absent  friends,  and  his  letters  were  all  poetical.  Though 
these  poems  (the  Tristia  and  Letters  from  Pontus)  have  no 
other  topic  than  the  poet's  sorrows,  his  exquisite  taste  and 
fruitful  invention  have  redeemed  them  from  the  charge  of 
being  tedious,  and  they  are  read  with  pleasure  and  even  Avith 
sympathy. 

The  tAvo  great  Avorks  of  Ovid  are  his  Metamorphoses  and  his 
Fasti.  They  are  both  mythological  poems,  and  from  the  former 
Ave  have  taken  most  of  our  stories  of  Grecian  and  Roman 
mythology.     A  late  Avriter  thus  characterizes  these  poems  :  — 

"  The  rich  mythology  of  Greece  furnished  Ovid,  as  it  may 
still  furnish  the  poet,  the  painter,  and  the  sculptor,  Avith  mate- 
rials for  his  art.  With  exquisite  taste,  simplicity,  and  pathos 
he  has  narrated  the  fabulous  traditions  of  early  ages,  and  given 
to  them  that  appearance  of  reality  which  only  a  master-hand 


380  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

could  impart.  His  pictures  of  nature  are  striking  and  true ;  he 
selects  with  care  that  which  is  appropriate;  he  rejects  the 
superfluous ;  and  when  he  has  completed  his  work,  it  is  neither 
defective  nor  redundant.  The  Metamorphoses  are  read  with' 
pleasure  by  youth,  and  are  re-read  in  more  advanced  age  with 
still  greater  delight.  The  poet  ventured  to  predict  that  his 
poem  would  survive  him,  and  be  read  wherever  the  Roman 
name  was  known." 

The  prediction  above  alluded. to  is  contained  in  the  closing 
lines  of  the  Metamorphoses,  of  which  we  give  a  literal  transla- 
tion below :  — 

"  Ami  now  I  close  my  work,  which  not  the  ire 
Of  Jove,  nor  tooth  of  time,  nor  sword,  nor  fire 
Shall  bring  to  nought.     Come  when  it  will  that  day 
Which  o'er  the  body,  not  the  mind,  has  sway, 
And  snatch  the  remnant  of  my  life  away, 
My  better  part  above  the  stars  shall  soar, 
And  my  renown  endure  for  evermore. 
Where'er  the  Roman  arms  and  arts  shall  spread, 
There  by  the  people  shall  my  book  be  read ; 
And,  if  aught  true  in  poet's  visions  be, 
My  name  and  fame  have  immortality." 


CHAPTER    XXIX. 

MODERN   MONSTEES:  THE  PHCENIX.— BASILISK.— UNICORN. 
-  SALAMANDER. 

THERE  is  a  set  of  imaginary  beings  which  seem  to  have 
been  the  successors  of  the  "  Gorgons,  Hydras,  and  Chiqje- 
ras  dire "  of  the  old  sui^erstitions,  and,  having  no  connec- 
tion with  the  false  gods  of  Paganism,  to  have  continued  to 
enjoy  an  existence  in  the  popular  belief  after  Paganism  was 
superseded  by  Christianity.  They  are  mentioned  perhaps  by 
the  classical  writers,  but  their  chief  popularity  and  currency 
seem  to  have  been  in  more  modern  times.  We  seek  our  accounts 
of  them  not  so  much  in  the  poetry  of  the  ancients,  as  in  the 
old  natural  history  books  and  narrations  of  travellers.  The  ac- 
counts which  Ave  are  about  to  give  are  taken  chiefly  from  the 
Penny  Cyclopedia. 

(381) 


382  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 


The  PHa':N^ix. 

Ovid  tells  the  story  of  the  Phoenix  as  follows  :  "  Most  beings 
spring  from  other  individuals ;  but  there  is  a  certain  kind 
which  reproduces  itself.  The  Assyrians  call  it  the  Phoenix. 
It  does  not  live  on  fruit  or  flowers,  but  on  frankincense  and 
odoriferous  gums.  When  it  has  lived  five  hundred  years,  it 
builds  itself  a  nest  in  the  branches  of  an  oak,  or  on  the  top  of 
a  palm-tree.  In  this  it  collects  cinnamon,  and  spikenard,  and 
myrrh,  and  of  these  materials  builds  a  pile  on  which  it  deposits 
itself,  and  dying,  breathes  out  its  last  breath  amidst  odors. 
From  the  body  of  the  parent  bird  a  young  Phoenix  issues  forth, 
destined  to  live  as  long  a  life  as  its  predecessor.  When  this 
has  grown  up  and  gained  sufficient  strength,  it  lifts  its  nest 
from  the  tree  (its  own  cradle  and  its  parent's  se2:)ulchre)  and  car- 
ries it  to  the  city  of  Heliopolis  in  Egypt,  and  deposits  it  in  the 
temple  of  the  Sun." 

Such  is  the  account  given  by  a  j^oet.  J[ow  let  us  see  that  of 
a  philosophic  historian.  Tacitus  says,  "In  the  consulship  of 
Paulus  Fabius  (A.D.  34),  the  miraculous  bird  knoAvn  to  the 
world  by  the  name  of  Phoenix,  after  disappearing  for  a  series 
of  ages,  revisited  Egypt.  It  was  attended  in  its  flight  by  a 
group  of  various  birds,  all  attracted  by  the  novelty,  and  gazing 
with  wonder  at  so  beautiful  an  appearance."  He  then  gives  an 
account  of  the  bird,  not  varying  materially  from  the  preceding, 
but  adding  some  details.  "  The  first  care  of  the  young  bird  as 
soon  as  fledged  and  able  to  trust  to  his  wings  is  to  perform  the 
obsequies  of  his  father.  But  this  duty  is  not  undertaken  rashly. 
He  collects  a  quantity  of  myrrh,  and  to  try  his  strength  makes 
frequent  excursions  with  a  load  on  his  back.  When  he  has 
gained  sufficient  confidence  in  his  own  vigor,  he  takes  up  the 
body  of  his  father  and  flies  with  it  to  the  altar  of  the  Sun, 
where  he  leaves  it  to  be  consumed  In  flames  of  fragrance." 
Other  writers  add  a  few  particulars.  The  myrrh  is  compacted 
in  the  form  of  an  egg,  in  which  the  dead  Phoenix  is  enclosed. 
From  the  mouldering  flesh  of  the  dead  bird  a  worm  springs. 


MODERN    MONSTERS.  383 

and  this  worm,  when  growni  large,  is  transformed  into  a  bird. 
Herodotus  describes  the  bird,  thougli  he  says,  "  I  have  not  seen 
it  myself,  except  in  a  picture.  Part  of  his  plumage  is  gold- 
colored,  and  part  crimson ;  and  he  is  for  the  most  part  very 
much  like  an  eagle  in  outline  and  bulk." 

The  first  writer  who  disclaimed  a  belief  in  the  existence  of 
the  Phoenix  was  Sir  Thomas  Browne,  in  his  Vulgar  Errors, 
])ublished  in  1646.  He  was  replied  to  a  few  years  later  by 
Alexander  Ross,  who  says,  in  answer  to  the  objection  of  the 
Phoenix  so  seldom  making  his  appearance,  "  His  instinct 
teaches  him  to  keep  out  of  the  way  of  the  tyrant  of  the  creation, 
man,  for  if  he  were  to  be  got  at  some  wealthy  glutton  would 
surely  devour  him,  though  there  were  no  more  in  the  world." 

Dryden,  in  one  of  his  early  poems,  has  this  allusion  to  the 
Phoenix  :  — 

"  So  when  the  new-born  Phu?nix  first  is  seen, 
Her  feathered  subjects  all  adore  their  queen, 
And  while  she  makes  her  progress  through  the  East, 
From  every  grove  her  numerous  train  's  increased ; 
Each  poet  of  the  air  her  glory  sings, 
And  round  him  the  pleased  audience  clap  their  wings." 

Milton,  in  Paradise  Lost,  Book  V.,  compares  the  angel 
Raphael  descending  to  earth  to  a  Phoenix  :  — 

"  Down  thither,  prone  in  flight 
He  speeds,  and  through  the  vast  ethereal  sky 
Sails  between  worlds  and  worlds,  with  steady  wing, 
Now  on  the  polar  winds,  then  with  quick  fan 
"Winnows  the  buxom  air ;  till  within  soar 
Of  towering  eagles,  to  all  the  fowls  he  seems 
A  Phoenix,  gazed  by  all ;  as  that  sole  bird 
When,  to  enshrine  his  relics  in  the  Sun's 
Bright  temple,  to  Egj'ptian  Thebes  he  flies." 


The  Cockatrice,  or  Basilisk. 

This  animal  was  called  the  king  of  the  serpents.     In  con- 
firmation of  his  royalty,  he  was  said  to  be  endowed  with  a 


384  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

crest  or  comb  upon  the  head,  constituting  a  crown.  He  was 
supposed  to  be  produced  from  the  egg  of  a  cock  hatched  under 
toads  or  serpents.  There  were  several  species  of  this  animal. 
One  species  burned  up  whatever  they  approached ;  a  second 
were  a  kind  of  wandering  Medusa's  heads,  and  their  look 
caused  an  instant  horror,  which  was  immediately  followed  by 
death.  In  Shakespeare's  play  of  Richard  the  Third,  Lady 
Anne,  in  answer  to  Richard's  compliment  on  her  eyes,  says, 
"  Would  they  were  basilisk's,  to  strike  thee  dead ! " 

The  basilisks  were  called  kings  of  serpents  because  all  other 
serpents  and  snakes,  behaving  like  good  subjects,  and  wisely 
not  wishing  to  be  burned  up  or  struck  dead,  fled  the  moment 
they  heard  the  distant  hiss  of  their  king,  although  they  might 
be  in  full  feed  upon  the  most  delicious  prey,  leaving  the  sole 
enjoyment  of  the  banquet  to  the  royal  monster. 

The  Roman  naturalist  Pliny  thus  describes  him  :  "  He  does 
not  impel  his  body  like  other  serpents,  by  a  multiplied  flexion, 
but  advances  lofty  and  upright.  He  kills  the  shrubs,-  not  only 
by  contact  but  by  breathing  on  them,  and  splits  the  rocks,  such 
power  of  evil  is  there  in  him."  It  was  formally  believed  that 
if  killed  by  a  spear  from  on  horseback  the  power  of  the  poison 
conducted  through  the  weapon  killed  not  only  the  rider  but  the 
horse  also.     To  this  Lucan  alludes  in  these  lines  :  — 

"  What  though  the  3Iooi'  the  basilisk  hath  slain, 
And  pinned  him  lifeless  to  the  sandj'  plain, 
Up  through  the  spear  the  subtle  venom  ilies, 
The  hand  imbibes  it,  and  the  victor  dies." 

Such  a  prodigy  was  not  likely  to  be  passed  over  in  the 
legends  of  the  saints.  Accordingly  we  find  it  recorded  that  a 
certain  holy  man  going  to  a  fountain  in  the  desert  suddenly 
beheld  a  basilisk.  He  immediately  raised  his  eyes  to  heaven, 
and  with  a  pious  appeal  to  the  Deity,  laid  the  monster  dead  at 
his  feet. 

These  wonderful  powers  of  the  basilisk  are  attested  by  a  host 
of  learned  persons,  such  as  Galen,  Avicenna,  Scaliger,  and 
others.    Occasionally  one  Avould  demur  to  some  part  of  the  tale 


MODERN    MONSTERS.  385 

while  he  admitted  the  rest.  Jonstoii,  a  learned  physician, 
sagely  remarks,  "  I  would  scarcely  believe  that  it  kills  with  its 
look,  for  who  could  have  seen  it  and  lived  to  tell  the  story  ? " 
The  worthy  sage  was  not  aware  that  those  who  went  to  hunt  the 
basilisk  of  this  sort,  took  with  them  a  mirror,  which  reflected 
back  the  deadly  glare  upon  its  author,  and  by  a  kind  of  poeti- 
cal justice  slew  the  basilisk  with  his  own  weapon. 

But  what  was  to  attack  this  terrible  and  unapproachable 
monster  ?  There  is  an  old  saying  that  "  everything  has  its 
enemy,"  and  the  cockatrice  quailed  before  the  weasel.  The 
basilisk  might  look  daggers,  the  Aveasel  cared  not,  but  advanced 
boldly  to  the  conflict.  When  bitten,  the  Aveasel  retired  for  a 
moment  to  eat  some  rue,  which  was  the  only  plant  the  basilisks 
could  not  wither,  returned  with  renewed  strength  and  sound- 
ness to  the  charge,  and  never  left  the  enemy  till  he  was 
stretched  dead  on  the  plain.  The  monster,  too,  as  if  conscious 
of  the  irregular  way  in  which  he  came  into  the  world,  was 
supposed  to  have  a  great  antipathy  to  a  cock;  and  well  he 
might,  for  as  soon  as  he  heard  the  cock  crow  he  expired. 

The  basilisk  was  of  some  use  after  death.  Thus  we  read 
that  its  carcass  Avas  suspended  in  the  temple  of  Apollo,  and  in 
private  houses,  as  a  sovereign  remedy  against  spiders,  and  that 
it  was  also  hung  up  in  the  temple  of  Diana,  for  which  reason 
no  swallow  ever  dared  enter  the  sacred  place. 

The  reader  will,  we  apprehend,  by  this  time  have  had  enough 
of  absurdities,  but  still  he  may  be  interested  to  know  that  these 
details  come  from  the  work  of  one  who  was  considered  in  his 
time  an  able  and  valuable  writer  on  Natural  History.  Ulysses 
Aldrovandus  was  a  celebrated  naturalist  of  the  sixteenth  cen- 
tury, and  his  work  on  natural  history,  in  thirteen  folio  vol- 
umes, contains  with  much  that  is  valuable  a  large  proportion  of 
fables  and  inutilities.  In  particular  he  is  so  ample  on  the  sub- 
ject of  the  cock  and  the  bull,  that  from  his  practice  all  rambling, 
gossiping  tales  of  doubtful  credibility  are  called  cock  and  bull 
stories.  Still  he  is  to  be  remembered  with  respect  as  the  founder 
of  a  botanic  garden,  and  one  of  the  leaders  in  the  modern  habit 
of  making  scientific  collections  for  research  and  inquiry. 


386  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Shelley,  in  his  Ode  to  Naples,  full  of  the  enthusiasm  excited 
by  the  intelligence  of  the  proclamation  of  a  Constitutional 
Government  at  Naples,  in  1820,  thus  uses  an  allusion  to  the 
basilisk :  — 

"  What  though  Cimmerian  anarchs  dare  blaspheme 
Freedom  and  thee  ?  a  new  Actseon's  error 
Shall  theirs  have  been,  —  devoured  by  their  own  hounds  ! 

Be  thou  like  the  imperial  basilisk, 
Killing  thy  foe  with  unapparent  wounds  ! 

Gaze  on  oppression,  till  at  that  dread  risk, 

Aghast  she  pass  from  the  earth's  disk. 
Fear  not,  but  gaze,  —  for  freemen  mightier  grow, 
And  slaves  more  feeble,  gazing  on  their  foe." 


The  Unicorn. 

Pliny,  the  Roman  naturalist,  out  of  whose  account  of  the 
unicorn  most  of  the  modern  unicorns  have  been  described  and 
figured,  records  it  as  "  a  very  ferocious  beast,  similar  in  the  rest 
of  its  body  to  a  horse,  with  the  head  of  a  deei-,  the  feet  of  an 
elephant,  the  tail  of  a  boar,  a  deep  bellowing  voice,  and  a  sin- 
gle black  horn,  two  cubits  in  length,  standing  out  in  the  middle 
of  its  forehead. "  He  adds  that  "  it  cannot  be  taken  alive ; " 
and  some  such  excuse  may  have  been  necessary  in  those  days 
for  not  producing  the  living  animal  upon  the  arena  of  tlie 
amphitheatre. 

The  unicorn  seems  to  have  been  a  sad  puzzle  to  the  hunters, 
who  hardly  knew  how  to  come  at  so  valuable  a  piece  of  game. 
Some  described  the  horn  as  moveable  at  the  will  of  the  animal, 
a  kind  of  small  sword  in  short,  with  which  no  hunter  who  was 
not  exceedingly  cunning  in  fence  could  have  a  chance.  Others 
maintained  that  all  the  animal's  strength  lay  in  its  horn,  and 
that  when  hard  pressed  in  pursuit,  it  would  throw  itself  from 
the  pinnacle  of  the  highest  rocks  horn  foremost,  so  as  to  pitch 
upon  it,  and  then  quietly  march  off  not  a  whit  the  worse  for  its 
fall. 

But  it  seems  they  found  out  how  to  circumvent  the  poor  uni- 
corn at  last.     They  discovered  that  it  was  a  great  lover  of 


MODERN    MONSTERS.  387 

purity  and  innocence,  so  they  took  the  field  with  a  young 
virgin^  who  was  placed  in  the  unsuspecting  admirer's  way. 
When  the  unicorn  spied  her,  he  approached  with  all  reverence, 
couched  beside  her,  and  laying  his  head  in  her  lap,  fell  asleej). 
The  treacherous  virgin  then  gave  a  signal,  and  the  hunters 
made  in  and  captured  the  simple  beast. 

Modern  zoologists,  disgusted  as  they  well  may  be  with  such 
fables  as  these,  disbelieve  generally  the  existence  of  the  unicorn. 
Yet  there  are  animals  bearing  on  their  heads  a  bony  protuber- 
ance more  or  less  like  a  horn,  which  may  have  given  rise  to  the 
story.  The  rhinoceros  horn,  as  it  is  called,  is  such  a  protuber- 
ance, though  it  does  not  exceed  a  few  inches  in  height,  and  is 
far  from  agreeing  with  the  descriptions  of  the  horn  of  the  uni- 
corn. The  nearest  approach  to  a  horn  in  the  middle  of  the 
forehead  is  exhibited  in  the  bony  protuberance  on  the  forehead 
of  the  giraffe  ;  but  this  also  is  short  and  blunt,  and  is  not  the 
only  horn  of  the  animal,  but  a  third  horn  standing  in  front  of 
the  two  others.  In  fine,  though  it  would  be  presumijtuous  to 
deny  the  existence  of  a  one-horned  quadruped  other  than  the 
rhinoceros,  it  may  be  safely  stated  that  the  insertion  of  a  long 
and  solid  horn  in  the  living  forehead  of  a  horse-like  or  deer-like 
animal,  is  as  near  an  impossibility  as  any  thing  can  be. 


The  Salamander. 

The  following  is  from  the  Life  of  Benvenuto  Cellini,  an 
Italian  artist  of  the  sixteenth  century,  written  by  himself, 
"  When  I  was  about  five  years  of  age,  my  father  happening  to 
be  in  a  little  room  in  which  they  had  been  washing,  and  where 
there  was  a  good  fire  of  oak  burning,  looked  into  the  flames 
and  saw  a  little  animal  resembling  a  lizard,  which  could  live  in 
the  hottest  part  of  that  element.  Instantly  perceiving  what  it 
was  he  called  for  my  sister  and  me,  and  after  he  had  shown  us 
the  creature,  he  gave  me  a  box  on  the  ear.  I  fell  a  crying, 
while  he,  soothing  me  with  caresses,  spoke  these  words :  '  My 
dear  child,  I  do  not  give  you  that  blow  for  any  fault  you  have 


388  STORIES    OF   GODS    AND   HEROES. 

committed,  but  that  you  may  recollect  that  the  little  creature 
you  see  in  the  fire  is  a  salamander ;  such  a  one  as  never  was 
beheld  before  to  my  knowledge.'  So  saying  he  embraced  me, 
and  gave  me  some  money." 

It  seems  unreasonable  to  doubt  a  story  of  which  Signor  Cel- 
lini was  both  an  eye  and  ear  witness.  Add  to  which  the 
authority  of  numerous  sage  philosophers,  at  the  head  of  whom 
iire  Aristotle  and  Pliny,  affirms  this  power  of  the  salamander. 
According  to  them,  the  animal  not  only  resists  fire,  but  ex- 
tinguishes it,  and  when  he  sees  the  flame,  charges  it  as  an  enemy 
which  he  well  knows  how  to  vanquish. 

That  the  skin  of  an  animal  which  could  resist  the  action  of 
fire  should  be  considered  proof  against  that  element,  is  not  to 
be  wondered  at.  We  accordingly  find  that  a  cloth  made  of 
the  skins  of  salamanders  (for  there  really  is  such  an  animal,  a 
kind  of  lizard)  was  incombustible,  and  very  valuable  for  wrap- 
ping up  such  articles  as  were  too  precious  to  be  intrusted  to 
any  other  envelopes.  These  fire-proof  cloths  were  actually 
produced,  said  to  be  made  of  salamander's  wool,  though  the 
knowing  ones  detected  that  the  substance  of  which  they  were 
composed  was  Asbestos,  a  mineral,  which  is  in  fine  filaments 
capable  of  being  Avoven  into  a  flexible  cloth. 

The  foundation  of  the  above  fables  is  supposed  to  be  the  fact 
that  the  salamander  really  does  secrete  from  the  pores  of  his 
body  a  milky  juice,  which,  when  he  is  irritated,  is  produced  in 
considerable  quantity,  and  would  doubtless,  for  a  few  moments, 
defend  the  body  from  fire.  Then  it  is  a  hibernating  animal, 
and  in  winter  retires  to  some  hollow  tree  or  other  cavity,  where 
it  coils  itself  up  and  remains  in  a  torpid  state  till  the  spring 
again  calls  it  forth.  It  may  therefore  sometimes  be  carried  with 
the  fuel  to  the  fire,  and  wake  up  only  time  enough  to  put  forth 
all  its  faculties  for  its  defence.  Its  viscous  juice  would  do 
good  service,  and  all  who  profess  to  have  seen  it  acknowledge 
tliat  it  got  out  of  the  fire  as  fast  as  its  legs  could  carry  it ;  in- 
deed too  fast  for  them  ever  to  make  prize  of  one,  except  in  one 
instance,  and  in  that  one,  the  animal's  feet  and  some  parts  of 
its  body  were  badly  burned. 


MODERN   MONSTERS.  389 

Dr.  Young,  in  the  Night  Tlioughts,  with  more  quaintness 
than  good  taste,  compares  the  sceptic  who  can  remain  mimoved 
in  the  contemplation  of  the  starry  heavens,  to  a  salamander 
un warmed  in  the  fire :  — 

"  An  undevout  astronomer  is  mad ! 

Oh,  wliat  a  genius  jjiust  inform  the  skies! 

And  is  Lorenzo's  salamander-heart 

Cold  and  untouched  amid  these  sacred  fires  ?" 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

EASTERN  MYTHOLOGY.— ZOROASTER.— HINDU  MYTHOL- 
OGY. —  CASTES.  —  BUDDHA.  —  GRAND   LAMA. 


DURING  the  last  fifty  years  new  attention  has  been  paid 
to  the  systems  of  religion  of  the  Eastern  world,  espe- 
cially to  that  of  Zoroaster  among  tlie  Persians,  and  that  which 
is  called  Brahmanism  and  the  rival  system  known  as  Buddhism 
in  the  nations  farther  east.  Especial  interest  belongs  to  these 
inquiries  for  us,  because  these  religions  are  religions  of  the 
great  Aryan  race  to  Avhich  we  belong.  The  people  among 
whom  they  were  introduced  all  used  some  dialect  of  the  family 
of  language  to  which  our  own  belongs.  Even  young  readers 
will  take  an  interest  in  such  books  as  Clarke's  Great  Religions 
and  Johnson's  Oriental  Religions,  which  are  devoted  to  careful 
studies  of  them. 

Our  knowledge  of  the  religion  of  the  ancient  Persians  is 
principally  derived  from  the  Zendavesta,  or  sacred  books  of 
that  people.  Zoroaster  was  the  founder  of  their  religion, 
or  rather  thp  reformer  of  the  religion  which  preceded  him. 
The  time  when  he  lived  is  doubtful,  but  it  is  certain  that  his 
system  became  the  dominant  religion  of  Western  Asia  from 
the  time  of  Cyrus  (550  B.  C.)  to  the  conquest  of  Persia  by 
Alexander  the  Great.  Under  the  Macedonian  monarchy  the 
doctrines  of  Zoroaster  appear  to  have  been  considerably  cor- 

(390) 


EASTERN    MYTHOLOGY.  391 

ruptecl  by  the  introduction  of  foreign  opinions,  but  tliey  after- 
wards recovered  their  ascendancy. 

Zoroaster  taught  the  existence  of  a  supreme  being,  who  cre- 
ated two  other  mighty  beings,  and  imparted  to  them  so  much 
of  his  own  nature  as  seemed  good  to  him.  Of  these,  Ormuzd 
(called  by  the  Greeks  Oromasdes)  remained  faithful  to  his  cre- 
ator, and  was  regarded  as  the  source  of  all  good,  while  Ahri- 
man  (Arimanes)  rebelled,  and  became  the  author  of  all  evil 
upon  the  earth.  Ormuzd  created  man,  and  supplied  him  with 
all  the  materials  of  happiness ;  but  Ahriman  marred  this  hap- 
piness by  introducing  evil  into  the  world,  and  creating  savage 
beasts  and  poisonous  reptiles  and  plants.  In  consequence  of 
this  evil  and  good  are  now  mingled  together  in  every  part  of 
the  world,  and  the  followers  of  good  and  evil  —  the  adherents 
of  Ormuzd  and  Ahriman  —  carry  on  incessant  war.  But  this 
state  of  things  will  not  last  forever.  The  time  Avill  come  when 
the  adherents  of  Ormuzd  shall  everywhere  be  victorious,  and 
Ahriman  and  his  followers  be  consigned  to  darkness  forever. 

The  religious  rites  of  the  ancient  Persians  were  exceedingly 
simple.  They  used  neither  temples,  altars,  nor  statues,  and 
performed  their  sacrifices  on  the  tops  of  mountains.  They 
adored  fire,  light,  and  the  sun,  as  emblems  of  Ormuzd,  the 
source  of  all  light  and  purity,  but  did  not  regard  them  as  inde- 
pendent deities.  The  religious  rites  and  ceremonies  were 
regulated  by  the  priests,  who  were  called  Magi.  The  learning 
of  the  Magi  was  connected  with  astrology  and  enchantment,  in 
which  they  were  so  celebrated  that  their  name  was  applied  to 
all  orders  of  magicians  and  enchanters. 

"As  to  the  age  of  the  books  of  the  Zendavesta,  and  the 
})eriod  at  which  Zoroaster  lived,  there  is  the  greatest  difference 
of  opinion.  He  is  mentioned  by  Plato,  who  speaks  of  'the 
magic  (or  religious  doctrines)  of  Zoroaster  the  Ormnzdian.' 
As  Plato  speaks  of  his  religion  as  something  established  in  the 
form  of  Magism,  or  the  system  of  the  Medes  in  West  Iran, 
which  the  Avesta  appears  to  have  originated  in  Bactria,  or 
East  Iran,  this  already  carries  the  age  of  Zoroaster  back  to 
at  least  the  sixth  or  seventh  century  before  Christ. 


392  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

"  Professor  Whitney  of  New  Haven  2>laces  the  epoch  of 
Zoroaster  at  '  least  B.  C.  1000,'  and  adds  tliat  all  attempts  to 
reconstruct  Persian  chronology  or  history  prior  to  the  reign 
of  the  first  Sassanid  have  been  relinquished  as  futile.  Dol- 
linger  thinks  he  may  have  been  '  somewhat  later  than  Moses, 
perhaps  about  B.  C.  1300,'  but  says  'it  is  impossible  to  fix  pre- 
cisely' when  he  lived.  Rawlinson  merely  remarks  that  Berosus 
places  him  anterior  to  B.  C.  2234.  Haug  is  inclined  to  date 
the  Gathas,  the  oldest  songs  of  the  Avesta,  as  early  as  the  time 
of  Moses.  Rapp,  after  a  thorough  comparison  of  ancient 
writers,  concludes  that  Zoroaster  lived  B.  C.  1200  or  1300.  In 
this  he  agrees  with  Duncker,  who,  as  we  have  seen,  decided 
upon  the  same  date.  It  is  not. far  from  the  period  given  by 
the  oldest  Greek  writer  who  speaks  of  Zoroaster, — Xanthus  of 
Sardis,  a  contemporary  of  Darius.  It  is  the  period  given  by 
Cephalion,  a  writer  of  the  second  century,  who  takes  it  from 
three  independent  sources.  We  have  no  sources  now  open  to 
us  which  enable  us  to  come  nearer  than  this  to  the  time  in 
which  he  lived. 

"  Nor  is  anything  known  with  certainty  of  the  place  where 
he  lived,  or  the  events  of  his  life.  Most  modern  writers  sup- 
pose that  he  resided  in  Bactria.  Haug  maintains  that  the 
language  of  the  Zend  books  is  Bactrian.  A  highly  mythologi- 
cal and  fabulous  life  of  Zoroaster,  translated  by  Anquetil 
du  Perron,  called  the  Zartrisht-Namah,  describes  him  as  going 
to  Iran  in  his  thirtieth  year,  spending  twenty  years  in  the 
desert,  working  miracles  during  ten  years,  and  giving  lessons 
of  ijhilosophy  in  Babylon,  with  Pythagoras  as  his  pupil.  All 
this  is  based  on  the  theory  (now  proved  to  be  false)  of  his 
living  in  the  time  of  Darius.  '  The  language  of  the  Avesta,' 
says  Max  Muller,  '  is  so  much  more  primitive  than  the  inscrip- 
tions of  Darius,  that  many  centuries  must  have  passed  between 
the  two  periods  represented  by  these  two  strata  of  language. 
These  inscriptions  are  in  the  Achremenian  dialect,  which  is  the 
Zend  in  a  later  stage  of  linguistic  growth.' " 

J.  Freemax  Clarke.  —  Ten  Great  Religions. 


ZOROASTER.  393 

Wordswortli  thus  alludes  to  the  worshij^  of  the  Persians :  — 

" the  Persian,  —  zealous  to  reject 

Altar  and  Image,  and  the  inclusive  walls 
And  roofs  of  temples  built  by  human  hands, — 
The  loftiest  heights  ascending  from  their  tops, 
With  myrtle-wreathed  Tiara  on  his  brows, 
Presented  sacrifice  to  Moon  and  Stars 
And  to  the  Winds  and  mother  Elements, 
And  the  whole  circle  of  the  Heavens,  for  him 
A  sensitive  existence  and  a  God." 

Excursion,  Book  IV. 

In  Childe  Harold,  Byron  speaks  thus  of  the  Persian  avoi- 
ship :  — 

"  Not  vainly  did  the  early  Persian  make 
His  altar  the  high  places  and  the  peak 
Of  earth-o'ergazing  mountains,  and  thus  take 
A  fit  and  unwalled  temple,  there  to  seek 
The  Spirit,  in  whose  honor  shrines  are  weak, 
Upreared  of  human  hands.    Come  and  compare 
Columns  and  idol-dwellings,  Goth  or  Greek, 
With  Nature's  realms  of  worship,  earth  and  air. 
Nor  fix  on  fond  abodes  to  circumscribe  thy  prayer." 

III.,  91. 

The  religion  of  Zoroaster  continued  to  flourish  even  after 
the  introduction  6i  Christianity,  and  in  the  third  century  was 
the  dominant  faith  of  the  East,  till  the  rise  of  the  Mahometan 
power  and  the  conquest  of  Persia  by  the  Arabs  in  the  seventh 
century,  who  compelled  the  greater  number  of  the  Persians  to 
renounce  their  ancient  faith.  Those  who  refused  to  abandon 
the  religion  of  their  ancestors  fled  to  the  deserts  of  Kerman 
and  to  Hindustan,  where  they  still  exist  under  the  name  of 
Parsees,  a  name  derived  from  Pars,  the  ancient  name  of  Per- 
sia. The  Arabs  call  them  Guebers,  from  an  Arabic  word  sig- 
nifying unbelievers.  At  Bombay  the  Parsees  are  at  this  day  a 
very  active,  intelligent,  and  wealthy  class.  For  purity  of  life, 
honesty,  and  conciliatory  manners,  they  are  favorably  distin- 
guished. They  have  numerous  temples  to  Fire,  which  they 
adore  as  the  symbol  of  the  divinity. 

The  Persian  religion  makes  the  subject  of  the  finest  tale  in 


394  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Moore's  Lalla  Rookh,  the  Fire  Worsliippers.      The  Gueber 
chief  says :  — 

"  Yes  !  I  am  of  that  impious  race, 

Those  slaves  of  Fire,  that  morn  and  even 

Hail  their  creator's  dwelling-place 
Among  the  living  lights  of  heaven  ; 

Yes !  I  am  of  that  outcast  crew 

To  Iran  and  to  vengeance  true. 

Who  curse  the  hour  your  Arabs  came 

To  desecrate  our  shrines  of  flame, 

And  swear  before  God's  burning  eye, 

To  break  our  country's  chains  or  die." 


Hindu  Mythology. 

The  religion  of  the  Hindus  is  professedly  founded  on  the 
Vedas.  To  these  books  of  their  scrij^ture  they  attach  the 
greatest  sanctity,  and  state  that  Brahma  himself  composed 
them  at  the  creation.  But  the  present  arrangement  of  the 
Vedas  is  attributed  to  the  sage  Vyasa,  about  five  thousand 
years  ago. 

The  Vedas  undoubtedly  teach  the  belief  of  one  supreme  God. 
The  name  of  this  deity  is  Brahma.  His  attributes  are  repre- 
sented by  the  three  personified  powers  of  creation,  preserva- 
tion, and  destruction,  which,  under  the  respective  names  of 
Brahma,  Vishnu,  and  Siva,  form  the  Trimurti  or  triad  of  prin- 
cipal Hindu  gods.  Of  the  inferior  gods  the  most  important 
are,  1.  Indra,  the  god  of  heaven,  of  thunder,  lightning,  storm, 
and  rain ;  2.  Agni,  the  god  of  fire ;  3.  Yama,  the  god  of  the 
infernal  regions ;  4.  Surya,  the  god  of  the  sun. 

Brahma  is  the  creator  of  the  universe,  and  the  source  from 
which  all  the  individual  deities  have  sprung,  and  into  which 
all  will  ultimately  be  absorbed.  "As  milk  changes  to  curd, 
and  water  to  ice,  so  is  Brahma  variously  transformed  and  di- 
versified, without  aid  of  exterior  means  of  any  sort.  The 
human  soul,  according  to  the  Vedas,  is  a  portion  of  the  su- 
preme ruler,  as  a  spark  is  of  the  fire. 

"Brahma,  at  first  a  word  meaning  prayer  and  devotion, 
becomes  in  the  laws  of  Manu  the  primal  God,  first-born  of  the 
creation,  from  the  self-existent  being,  in  the  form  of  a  golden 


HINDU   MYTHOLOGY. 


395 


egg.  He  became  the  creator  of  all  things  by  the  power  of 
prayer.  In  the  struggle  for  ascendancy,  whicli  took  place  be- 
tween tlie  priests  and  the  warriors,  Brahma  naturally  became 
the  deity  of  the  former.  But,  meantime,  as  we  have  seen,  the 
worship  of  Vishnu  had  been  extending  itself  in  one  region, 
and  that  of  Siva  in  another.  Then  took  place  those  mysterious 
wars  between  the  kings  of  the  Solar  and  Lunar  races,  of  which 
the  great  epics  contain  all  that  we  knoAv. 
And  at  the  close  of  these  wars  a  com- 
promise was  apparently  accepted,  by 
which  Brahma,  Vishnu,  and  Siva  were 
united  in  one  supreme  God,  as  creator, 
preserver,  and  destroyer,  all  in  one. 

It  is  almost  certain  that  this  Hindoo 
Triad  was  the  result  of  an  ingenious 
and  successful  attempt,  on  the  part  of 
the  Brahmans,  to  unite  all  classes  of 
worshippers  in  India  against  the  Bud- 
dhists. In  this  sense  the  Brahmans  ed- 
ited anew  the  Mahabharata,  inserting  in 
that  epic  passages  extolling  Vishnu  in 
the  form  of  Krishna.  The  Greek  ac- 
counts of  India  which  followed  the  inva- 
sion of  Alexander  speak  of  the  worship  of  Hercules  as  preva- 
lent in  the  East,  and  by  Hercules  they  apparently  mean  the 
god  Krishna.  The  struggle  between  the  Brahmans  and  Bud- 
dhists lasted  during  nine  centuries  (from  A.  D.  500  to  A.  D. 
1400),  ending  with  the  total  expulsion  of  Buddhism  and  the 
triumphant  establishment  of  the  Triad  as  the  worship  of  India. 

"Before  this  Triad  or  Trimurti  (of  Brahma,  Vishnu,  and 
Siva)  there  seems  to  have  been  another,  consisting  of  Agni, 
Indra,  and  Surya.  This  may  have  given  the  hint  of  the  second 
Triad,  which  distributed  ^mong  the  three  gods  the  attributes 
of  Creation,  Destruction,  and  Renovation.  Of  these  Brahma, 
the  creator,  ceased  soon  to  be  popular,  and  the  worship  of  Siva 
and  Vishnu  as  Krishna  remain  as  the  popular  religion  of 
India.     .     .     . 

"  But   all  the   efforts  of  Brahmanism  could  not  arrest  the 


THIMUKTI. 


396  STORIES  or  gods  and  heroes. 

natural  development  of  the  system.  It  passed  on  into  poly- 
theism and  idolatry.  The  worship  of  India  for  many  cen- 
turies has  been  divided  into  a  multitude  of  sects.  While 
the  majority  of  the  Brahmans  still  profess  to  recognize  the 
equal  divinity  of  Brahma,  Vishnu,  and  Siva,  the  mass  of  the 
people  worship  Krishna,  Rama,  the  Singam,  and  many  other 
gods  and  idols.  There  are  Hindoo  Atheists,  who  revile  the 
Vedas ;  there  are  the  Kabirs,  Avho  are  a  sort  of  Hindoo 
Quakers,  and  oppose  all  worship  ;  the  Bamanvjas,  an  ancient 
sect  of  Vishnu  worshippers  ;  the  Hama^ats,  living  in  monas- 
teries ;  the  Panthis,  Avho  o])pose  all  austerities ;  the  3Iaharajas, 
Avhose  religion  consists  with  great  licentiousness.  Most  of  these 
are  worshippers  of  Vishnu  or  of  Siva,  for  Brahma-worship  has 

wholly  disappeared."  j_  Fi^eeman  Clauke.  -  Ten  Great  Religions. 


Vishnu. 

Vishnu  occupies  the  second  place  in  the  triad  of  the  Hindus, 
and  is  the  personification  of  the  preserving  principle.  To  pro- 
tect the  world  in  various  epochs  of  danger,  Vishnu  descended 
to  the  earth  in  different  incarnations,  or  bodily  forms,  which 
descents  are  called  Avatars.  They  are  very  numerous,  but  ten 
are  more  particularly  specified.  The  first  Avatar  was  as  Mat- 
sya,  the  Fish,  under  which  form  Vishnu  preserved  Manu,  the 
ancestor  of  the  human  race,  during  a  universal  deluge.  The 
second  Avatar  Avas  in  the  form  of  a  Tortoise,  which  form  he 
assumed  to  support  the  earth  when  the  gods  were  churning  the 
sea  for  the  beverage  of  immortality,  Amrita. 

We  may  omit  the  other  Avatars,  which  were  of  the  same 
general  charactei',  that  is,  interpositions  to  protect  the  right  or 
to  punish  wrong-doers,  and  come  to  the  ninth,  which  is  the  most 
celebrated  of  the  Avatars  of  Vishnu,  in  which  he  appeared  in 
the  human  form  of  Krishna,  an  invincible  warrior,  who  by  his 
exploits  relieved  the  earth  from  the  t}Tants  who  oppressed  it. 

Buddha  is  by  the  followers  of  the  Brahmanical  religion  re- 
garded as  a  delusive  incarnation  of  Vishnu,  assumed  by  him  in 
order  to  induce  the  Asuras,  opponents  of  the  gods,  to  abandon 


HINDU    MYTHOLOGY.  397 

the  sacred  ordinances  of  the  Vedas,  by  which  means  they  lost 
their  strength  and  supremacy. 

Kalki  is  the  name  of  the  tenth  Avatar,  in  which  Vishnu  will 
appear  at  the  end  of  the  present  age  of  the  world  to  destroy  all 
vice  and  wickedness,  and  to  restore  mankind  to  virtue  and 
purity. 

Siva. 

Siva  is  the  third  person  of  the  Hindu  triad.  He  is  the  per- 
sonification of  the  destroying  principle.  Though  the  third 
named,  he  is,  in  respect  to  the  number 
of  his  worshippers  and  the  extension  of 
his  worship,  before  either  of  the  others. 
In  the  Puranas  (the  scriptures  of  the 
modern  Hindu  religion)  no  allusion  is 
made  to  the  original  power  of  this  god 
as  a  destroyer ;  as  that  power  is  not  to 
be  called  into  exercise  till  after  the 
expiration  of  twelve  millions  of  years, 
or  when  the  universe  will  come  to  an  brahma  siva. 

end  ;  and  Mahadeva  (another  name  for 

Siva)    is   rather  the  representative   of    regeneration  than   of 
destruction. 

The  worshippers  of  Vishnii  and  Siva  form  two  sects,  each  of 
which  proclaims  the  superiority  of  its  favorite  deity,  denying 
the  claims  of  the  other,  and  Brahma,  the  creator,  having  finished 
his  work,  seems  to  be  regarded  as  no  longer  active,  and  has 
now  only  one  temple  in  India,  while  Mahadeva  and  Vishnu 
have  many.  The  worshippers  of  Vishnu  are  generally  dis- 
tinguished by  a  greater  tenderness  for  life  and  consequent 
abstinence  from  animal  food,  and  a  w^orship  less  cruel  than 
that  of  the  followers  of  Siva. 

Juggernaut. 

Whether  the  worshippers  of  Juggernaut  are  to  be  reckoned 
amonsr  the  followers  of  Vishnu  or  Siva,  our  authorities  differ. 


31)8  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

The  temple  stands  near  the  shore,  about  three  Imnclred  miles 
southwest  of  Calcutta.  The  idol  is  a  carved  block  of  wood, 
with  a  hideous  face,  painted  black,  and  a  distended  blood-red 
mouth.  On  festival  days  the  throne  of  the  image  is  placed  on 
a  tower  sixty  feet  high,  moving  on  wheels.  Six  long  ropes  are 
attached  to  the  toAver,  by  which  the  people  draw  it  along.  The 
priests  and  their  attendants  stand  round  the  throne  on  the 
towei ,;  and  occasionally  turn  to  the  worshippers  with  songs  and 
gestures.  While  the  tower  moves  along  numbers  of  the  devout 
worshippers  throw  themselves  on  the  ground,  in  order  to  be 
crushed  by  the  wheels,  and  the  multitude  shout  in  approbation 
of  the  act,  as  a  pleasing  sacrifice  to  the  idol.  Every  year,  par- 
ticularly at  two  great  festivals  in  March  and  July,  pilgrims 
flock  in  crowds  to  the  temple.  Not  less  than  seventy  or  eighty 
thousand  people  are  said  to  visit  the  place  on  these  occasions, 
when  all  castes  eat  together. 


Castes. 

The  division  of  the  Hindus  into  classes  or  castes,  with  fixed 
occupations,  existed  from  the  earliest  times.  It  is  supposed  by 
some  to  have  been  founded  upon  conquest,  the  first  three 
castes  being  composed  of  a  foreign  race,  who  subdued  the 
natives  of  the  country  and  reduced  them  to  an  inferior  caste. 
Others  trace  it  to  the  fondness  of  perpetuating,  by  descent 
from  father  to  son,  certain  offices  or  occupations. 

The  Hindu  tradition  gives  the  following  account  of  tlie 
origin  of  the  various  castes.  At  the  creation  Brahi\ia  resolved 
to  give  the  earth  inhabitants  who  should  be  direct  emanations 
from  his  own  body.  Accordingly  from  his  mouth  came  forth 
the  eldest  born,  Brahma  (the  priest),  to  whom  he  confided  the 
four  Yedas ;  from  his  right  arm  issued  Shatriya  (the  warrior), 
and  from  his  left,  the  warrior's  wife.  His  thighs  produced 
Vaissyas,  male  and  female  (agriculturists  and  traders),  and 
lastly  from  his  feet  sprang  Sudras  (mechanics  and  laborers). 

The  four  sons  of  Brahma,  so  significantly'  brought  into  the 
world,  became  the  fathers  of  the  human  race,  and  heads  of 
their  respective  castes.     They  were  commanded  to  regard  the 


CASTES.  3*J9 

four  Yedas  as  containing  all  the  rules  of  their  faith,  and  all 
that  was  necessary  to  guide  them  in  their  religious  ceremonies. 
Tliey  were  also  commanded  to  take  rank  in  the  order  of  their 
birth,  the  Brahmans  uppermost,  as  having  sprung  from  the 
head  of  Brahma. 

A  strong  line  of  demarcation  is  drawn  between  the  first 
three  castes  and  the  Sudras.  The  former  are  allowed  to  re- 
ceive instruction  from  the  Vedas,  which  is  not  permitted  to 
the  Sudras.  The  Brahmans  possess  the  privilege  of  teaching 
the  Vedas,  and  were  in  former  times  in  exclusive  possession  of 
all  knowledge.  Though  the  sovereign  of  the  country  was 
chosen  from  the  Shatriya  class,  also  called  Rajputs,  the 
Brahmans  possessed  the  real  poAver,  and  were  the  royal  coun- 
sellors, the  judges  and  magistrates  of  the  country;  their 
l^ersons  and  proj^erty  Avere  inviolable;  and  though  they  com- 
mitted the  greatest  crimes,  they  could  only  be  banished  from 
the  kingdom.  They  were  to  be  treated  by  sovereigns  with  the 
greatest  respect,  for  "  a  Brahman,  whether  learned  or  ignorant, 
is  a  powerful  divinity." 

AVhen  the  Brahman  arrives  at  years  of  maturity  it  becomes 
his  duty  to  marry.  He  ought  to  be  supported  by  the  con- 
tributions of  the  rich,  and  not  to  be  obliged  to  gain  his  sub- 
sistence by  any  laborious  or  productive  occupation.  But  as  all 
the  Brahmans  could  not  be  maintained  by  the  working  classes 
of  the  community,  it  was  found  necessary  to  allow  them  to  en- 
gage in  productive  employments. 

We  need  say  little  of  the  tAvo  intermediate  classes,  whose 
rank  and  privileges  may  be  readily  inferred  from  their  occupa- 
tions. The  Sudras  or  fourth  class  are  bound  to  servile  attend- 
ance on  the  higher  classes,  especially  the  Brahmans,  but  they 
may  follow  mechanical  occupations  and  practical  arts,  as  painting 
and  writing,  or  become  traders  or  husbandmen.  Consequently 
they  sometimes  grow  rich,  and  it  Avill  also  sometimes  happen 
that  Brahmans  become  poor.  That  fact  works  its  usual  conse- 
quence, and  rich  Sudras  sometimes  employ  poor  Brahmans  in 
menial  occupations. 

There  is  another  class  lower  even  than  the  Sudras,  for  it  is 
not  one  of  the  original  pure  classes,  but  springs  from  an  un- 


400  STOEIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

authorized  union  of  individuals  of  different  castes.  These  are 
the  Pariahs,  who  are  employed  in  the  lowest  services  and  treated 
with  the  utmost  severity.  They  are  comj^elled  to  do  what  no 
one  else  can  do  without  j^ollution.  They  are  not  only  con- 
sidered unclean  themselves,  but  they  render  unclean  every  thing 
they  touch.  They  are  dej^rived  of  all  civil  rights,  and  stig- 
matized by  particular  laws,  regulating  their  mode  of  life,  their 
houses  and  their  furniture.  •  They  are  not  allowed  to  visit  the 
pagodas  or  temples  of  the  other  castes,  but  have  tlieir  own 
pagodas  and  religious  exercises.  They  are  not  suffered  to 
enter  the  houses  of  the  other  castes ;  if  it  is  done  incautiously 
or  from  necessity,  the  j^lace  must  be  purified  by  religious  cere- 
monies. The'y  must  not  appear  at  public  markets,  and  are 
confined  to  the  use  of  particular  wells,  which  they  are  obliged 
to  surround  Avith  bones  of  animals,  to  warn  others  against 
using  them.  They  dwell  in  miserable  hovels,  distant  from 
cities  and  villages,  and  are  under  no  restrictions  in  regard  to 
food,  Avhich  last  is  not  a  privilege,  but  a  mark  of  ignominy,  as 
if  they  were  so  degraded  that  nothing  could  pollute  them. 
The  three  higher  castes  are  prohibited  entirely  the  use  of  flesh. 
The  fourth  is  allowed  to  eat  all  kinds  except  beef,  but  only  the 
lowest  caste  is  allowed  every  kind  of  food  without  restrictions 


Buddha. 

Buddha,  whom  the  Vedas  represent  as  a  delusive  incarnation 
of  Yishnu,  is  said  by  his  followers  to  have  been  a  mortal  sage, 
whose  name  was  Gautama,  called  also  by  the  complimentary 
epithets  of  Sakyasinha,  the  Lion,  and  Buddha,  the  Sage. 

By  a  comparison  of  the  various  epochs  assigned  to  his  birth, 
it  is  inferred  that  he  lived  about  one  thousand  years  before 
Christ. 

He  was  the  son  of  a  king;  and  when  in  conformity  to  the 
usage  of  the  country  he  was,  a  few  days  after  his  birth,  pre- 
sented before  the  altar  of  a  deity,  the  image  is  said  to  have 
inclined  its  head,  as  a  presage  of  tlie  future  greatness  of  the 
new-born  prophet.     The  child  soon  developed  faculties  of  the 


BUDDHA.  401 

first  order,  and  became  equally  distinguished  by  the  uncommon 
beauty  of  his  person.  No  sooner  had.  he  grown  to  years  of 
maturity  than  he  began  to  reflect  deeply  on  the  depravity 
and  misery  of  mankind,  and  he  conceived  the  idea  of  retiring 
from  society  and  devoting  himself  to  meditation.  His  father 
in  vain  opposed  this  design,  Buddha  escaped  the  vigilance  of 
his  guards,  and  having  found  a  secure  retreat,  lived  for  six 
years  undisturbed  in  his  devout  contemplations.  At  the  expi- 
ration of  that  period  he  came  forward  at  Benares  as  a  religious 
teacher.  At  first  some  who  heard  him  doubted  .of  the  sound- 
ness of  his  mind ;  but  his  doctrines  soon  gained  credit,  and 
were  propagated  so  rapidly  that  Buddha  himself  lived  to  see 
them   spread  all  over  India. 

The  young  prince  distinguished  himself  by  his  personal  and 
intellectual  qualities,  but  still  more  by  his  early  piety.  It  ap- 
pears from  the  laws  of  Manu  that  it  was  not  unusual,  in  the 
earliest  periods  of  Brahmanism,  for  those  seeking  a  superior 
piety  to  turn  hermits,  and  to  live  alone  in  the  forest,  engaged 
in  acts  of  prayer,  meditation,  abstinence,  and  the  study  of  tlie 
Yedas.  This  practice,  however,  seems  to  have  been  confined 
to  the  Brahmans.  It  was,  therefore,  a  grief  to  the  king,  when 
his  son,  in  the  flower  of  his  youth  and  highly  accomplished  in 
every  kingly  faculty  of  body  and  mind,  began  to  turn  his 
thoughts  toward  the  life  of  an  anchorite. 


He  first  visited  the  Brahmans,  and  listened  to  their  doctrines, 
but  found  no  satisfaction  therein.  The  wisest  among  them 
could  not  teach  him  true  peace,  —  that  profound  inward  rest, 
which  was  ah'eady  called  Nirvana.  He  was  twenty-nine  years 
old.  Although  disapproving  of  the  Brahmanic  austerities  as 
an  end,  he  practised  them  during  six  years,  in  order  to  subdue 
the  senses.  He  then  became  satisfied  that  the  path  to  pei-fec- 
tion  did  not  lie  that  way.  He  therefore  resumed  his  former 
diet  and  a  more  comfortable  mode  of  life,  and  so  lost  many 
disciples  who  had  been  attracted  by  his  amazing  austerity. 
Alone  in  his  hermitage,  he  came  at  last  to  that  solid  conviction, 
that  knowledge  never  to  be  shaken,  of  the  laws  of  things,  which 


402  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

had  seemed  to  him  the  only  foundation  of  a  truly  free  life. 
The  spot  where,  after  a  week  of  constant  meditation,  he  at  last 
arrived  at  this  beatific  vision,  became  one  of  the  most  sacred 
places  in  India.  He  was  seated  under  a  tree,  his  face  to  the 
east,  not  having  moved  for  a,  day  and  night,  when  he  attained 
the  triple  science,  which  was  to  rescue  mankind  from  its  woes. 
Twelve  hundred  years  after  the  death  of  the  Buddha,  a 
Chinese  pilgrim  was  shown  what  then  passed  for  the  sacred 
tree. 

Having  attained  this  inward  certainty  of  vision,  he  decided 
to  teach  the  world  his  truth.  He  knew  well  what  it  Avould 
bring  him,  —  what  opposition,  insult,  neglect,  scorn.  But  he 
thought  of  three  classes  of  men  :  those  who  were  already  on 
the  way  to  the  truth  and  did  not  need  him  ;  those  who  were 
fixed  in  eri'or  and  whom  he  could  not  help ;  and  the  poor 
doubters,  uncertain  of  their  way.  It  was  to  help  these  last,  the 
doubters,  that  the  Buddha  went  forth  to  preach.  On  his  way 
'to  the  holy  city  of  India,  Benares,  a  serious  diiiiculty  arrested 
him  at  the  Ganges,  namely,  his  having  no  money  to  pay  the 
boatman  for  his  passage.  At  Benares  he  made  his  first  con 
verts,  "  turning  the  wheel  of  the  law  "  for  the  first  time.  His 
discourses  are  contained  in  the  sacred  books  of  the  Buddhists. 
He  converted  great  numbers,  his  father  among  the  rest,  but 
met  with  fierce  opposition  from  the  Hindu  Scribes  and  Phari- 
sees, the  leading  Brahmans.  So  he  lived  and  taught,  and  died 
at  the  age  of  eighty  years. 

The  Buddhists  reject  entirely  the  authority  of  the  Vedas, 
and  the  religious  observances  prescribed  in  them  and  kept  by 
the  Hindus.  They  also  reject  the  distinction  of  castes,  and 
prohibit  all  bloody  sacrifices,  and  allow  animal  food.  Their 
priests  are  chosen  from  all  classes  ;  they  are  expected  to  pro- 
cure their  maintenance  by  perambulation  and  begging,  and, 
among  other  things,  it  is  their  duty  to  endeavor  to  turn  to 
some  use  things  thrown  aside  as  useless  by  others,  and  to  dis- 
cover the  medicinal  power  of  plants.  But  in  Ceylon  three 
orders  of  priests  are  recognized  ;  those  of  the  highest  order  are 
usually  men  of  high  birth  and  learning,  and  are  supported  at 


BUDDHA. THE  GRAND  LAMA.  403 

the  principal  temples,  most  of  which  have  been  richly  endowed 
by  the  former  monarchs  of  the  country. 

For  several  centuries  after  the  appearance  of  Buddha,  his 
sect  seems  to  have  been  tolerated  by  the  Brahmans,  and 
Buddhism  appears  to  have  penetrated  the  peninsula  of  Hin- 
dustan in  every  direction,  and  to  have  been  carried  to  Ceylon, 
and  to  the  eastern  peninsula.  But  afterwards  it  had  to  endure 
in  India  a  long  continued  persecution,  which  ultimately  had 
the  effect  of  entirely  abolishing  it  in  the  country  where  it  had 
originated,  but  to  scatter  it  widely  over  adjacent  countries. 
Buddhism  appears  to  have  been  introduced  into  China  about 
the  year  65  of  our  era.  From  China  it  was  subsequently  ex- 
tended to  Corea,  Japan,  and  Java. 

The  charming  poem  called  the  Light  of  Asia,  by  Mr.  Edwin 
Arnold,  has  lately  called  general  attention  to  Buddhism.  The 
following  is  an  extract  from  it :  — 

"  Fondly  Siclclartha  drew  the  proud  head  down, 
Patted  the  shining  neck,  and  said  '  Be  still, 
White  Kantaka !  be  still,  and  bear  rac  now 
The  farthest  journey  ever  rider  rode ; 
For  this  night  take  I  horse  to  find  the  truth, 
And  where  my  quest  will  end  yet  know  I  not. 
Save  that  it  shall  not  end  until  I  find. 
Therefore  to-night,  good  steed,  be  fierce  and  bold ! 
Let  nothing  stay  thee,  though  a  thousand  blades 
Deny  the  road !  let  neither  wall  nor  moat 
Forbid  our  flight !     Look !  if  I  touch  thy  flank 
And  cry,  "On,  Kantaka!  "  let  whirlwinds  lag 
Behind  thy  course  !     Be  fire  and  air,  my  horse ! 
To  stead  thy  lord,  so  shalt  thou  share  with  him 
The  greatness  of  this  deed  which  helps  the  world; 
For  therefore  ride  I,  not  for  men  alone, 
But  for  all  tilings  which,  speechless,  share  our  pain, 
And  have  no  hope,  nor  wit  to  ask  for  hope. 
Now,  therefore,  bear  thy  master  valorously ! ' " 


The  Graijd  Lama. 

It  is  a  doctrine  alike  of  the  Brahminical  Hindus  and  of  the 
Buddhist  sect  that  the  confinement  of  the  human  soul,  an 
emanation  of  the  divine  spirit,  in  a  human  body,  is  a  state  of 


404  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

misery,  and  the  consequence  of  frailties  and  sins  committed 
during  former  existences.  But  they  hold  tliat  some  few  indi- 
viduals have  appeared  on  this  earth  from  time  to  time,  not 
under  the  necessity  of  terrestrial  existence,  but  who  volun- 
tarily descend  to  the  earth  to  promote  the  Avelfare  of  makind. 
These  individuals  have  gradually  assumed  the  character  of  re- 
appearances of  Buddha  himself,  in  Avhich  capacity  the  line  is 
continued  till  the  present  day  in  the  several  Lamas  of  Thibet, 
China,  and  other  countries  where  Buddhism  prevails.  In  con- 
sequence of  the  victories  of  Gengis  Khan  and  his  successors, 
the  Lama  residing  in  Thibet  was  raised  to  the  dignity  of  chief 
pontiff  of  the  sect.  A  separate  province  was  assigned  to  him 
as  his  own  territory,  and  besides  his  spiritual  dignity  he  became 
to  a  limited  extent  a  temporal  monarch.  He  is  styled  the 
Dalai  Lama. 

The  first  Christian  missionaries  who  proceeded  to  Thibet 
were  surprised  to  find  there  in  the  heart  of  Asia  a  pontifical 
court  and  several  other  ecclesiastical  institutions  resembling 
tliose  of  tlie  Roman  Catholic  church.  They  found  convents 
for  priests  and  nuns  ;  also,  processions  and  forms  of  religious 
worship,  attended  with  much  pomp  and  splendor  ;  and  many 
were  induced  by  these  similarities  to  consider  Lamaism  as  a 
sort  of  degenerated  Christianity.  It  is  not  improbable  that  the 
Lamas  derived  some  of  these-  practices  from  the  I*^estorian 
Christians,  who  were  settled  in  Tartary  when  Buddhism  was 
introduced  into  Thibet. 


Prester  John. 

An  early  account,  communicated  probably  by  travelling 
merchants,  of  a  Lama  or  spiritual  chief  among  the  Tartai-s, 
seems  to  have  occasioned  in  Europe  the  report  of  a  Presbyter 
or  Prester  John,  a  Christian  pontiff,  resident  in  Upper  Asia. 
The  Pope  sent  a  mission  in  search  of  him,  as  did  also  Louis  IX. 
of  France,  some  years  later,  but  both  missions  were  unsuc- 
cessful, though  the  small  communities  of  Nestorian  Christians, 
which  they  did  find,  served  to  keep  up  the  belief  in  Europe . 
that  such  a  personage  did  exist  somewhere  in  the  East.    At  last 


PRESTER    JOHN.  405 

in  the  fifteenth  century,  a  Portugaiese  traveller, Pedro Covilham, 
hajjpening  to  hear  that  there  was  a  Christian  ^jrince  in  the 
country  of  the  Abessines  (Abyssinia),  not  far  from  the  Red 
Sea,  concluded  that  this  must  be  the  true  Prester  John.  He 
accordingly  Avent  thither,  and  penetrated  to  the  court  of  the 
king,  whom  he  calls  Negus.  Milton  alludes  to  him  in  Paradise 
Lost,  Book  XI.,  where,  describing  Adam's  vision  of  his  de- 
scendants in  their  various  nations  and  cities,  scattered  over  the 
face  of  the  earth,  he  says,  — 

" Nor  did  his  eyes  not  keu 

Th'  empire  of  Negus,  to  his  utmost  port, 
Ercoco,  aud  tlie  less  maritime  kings, 
Mombaza  and  Quiloa  find  Melind." 


CHAPTER   XXXI. 


NORTHERN  MYTHOLOGY. —VALHALLA. —  THE  VALKYRIOR. 


ri'^IIE   stories  which  have   enwao-ed    our   attention  thus  far 


r: 


relate  to  the  mythology  of  southern  regions.  But  there 
is  another  branch  of  ancient  superstitions  Avhich  ought  not 
to  be  entirely  overlooked,  especially  as  it  belongs  to  the 
nations  from  which  we,  through  our  English  ancestors,  derive 
our  origin.  It  is  that  of  the  northern  nations  called  Scan- 
dinavians, who  inhabited  the  countries  now  known  as  Sweden, 
Denmark,  Norway,  and  Iceland.  These  mythological  records 
are  contained  in  two  collections  called  the  Eddas,  of  which  the 
oldest  is  in  poetry  and  dates  back  to  the  year  1056,  the  more 
modern,  or  prose  Edda,  being  of  the  date  of  1640. 

According  to  the  Eddas  there  was  once  no  heaven  above 
nor  earth  beneath,  but  only  a  bottomless  deep,  and  a  world  of 
mist  in  which  flowed  a  fountain.  Twelve  rivers  issued  from 
this  fountain,  and  when  they  had  flowed  far  from  their  source, 
they  froze  into  ice,  and  one  layer  accumulating  over  another, 
the  great  deep  was  filled  up. 

Southward  from  the  world  of  mist  was  the  world  of  light. 
From  this  flowed  a  warm  wind  upon  the  ice  and  melted  it. 
The  vapors  rose  in  the  air  and  formed  clouds,  from  which 
sprang  Ymir,  the  Frost  giant  and  his  progeny,  and  the  cow 
Audhumbla,  whose  milk  afforded  nourishment  and  food  to  the 

(406) 


NORTHERN    MYTHOLOGY.  407 

giant.  The  cow  got  nourishment  by  licking  the  hoar  frost  and 
salt  from  the  ice.  While  she  was  one  clay  licking  the  salt 
stones  there  apjDearecl  at  first  the  hair  of  a  man,  on  the  second 
day  the  whole  head,  and  on  the  third  the  entire  form  endowed 
with  beauty,  agility,  and  power.  This  new  being  was  a  god, 
from  whom  and  his  wife,  a  dauglfter  of  the  giant  race,  sprang 
the  three  brothers  Odin,  Vili,  and  Ye.  They  slew  the  giant 
Ymir,  and  out  of  his  body  formed  the  earth,  of  his  blood  the 
seas,  of  his  bones  the  mountains,  of  his  hair  the  trees,  of  his 
skull  the  heavens,  and  of  his  brain  clouds,  charged  with  hail 
and  snow.  Of  Ymir's  eyebrows  the  gods  formed  Midgard 
(mid  earth),  destined  to  become  the  abode  of  man. 

Odin  then  regulated  the  periods  of  day  and  night  and  the 
seasons  by  placing  in  -the  heavens  the  sun  and  moon,  and 
appointing  to  them  their  respective  courses.  As  soon  as  the 
sun  began  to  shed  its  rays  upon  the  earth,  it  caused  the  vege- 
table world  to  bud  and  sprout.  Shortly  after  the  gods  had 
created  the  world  they  walked  by  the  side  of  the  sea,  pleased 
Avith  their  new  work,  but  found  that  it  was  still  incomplete, 
for  it  was  without  human  beings.  They  therefore  took  an  ash- 
tree  and  made  a  man  out  of  it,  and  they  made  a  woman  out  of 
an  alder,  and  called  the  man  Aske  and  the  Avonian  Embla. 
Odin  then  gave  them  life  and  soul,  Yili  reason  and  motion,  and 
Ye  bestowed  upon  them  the  senses,  expressive  features,  and 
sjjeech.  Midgard  was  then  given  them  as  their  residence,  and 
they  became  the  progenitors  of  the  human  race. 

The  mighty  ash-tree  Ygdrasil  was  supposed  to  support  the 
whole  universe.  It  sprang  from  the  body  of  Ymir,  and  had 
three  immense  roots,  extending  one  into  Asgard  (the  dwelling 
of  the  gods),  the  other  into  Jotunheim  (the  abode  of  the 
giants),  and  the  third  to  NifHeheim  (the  regions  of  darkness 
and  cold).  By  the  side  of  each  of  these  roots  is  a  spring, 
from  which  it  is  watered.  The  root  that  extends  into  Asgard 
is  carefully  tended  by  the  three  Norns,  goddesses  who  are 
regarded  as  the  dispensers  of  fate.  They  are  TJrdur  (the  past), 
Yerdandi  (the  present),  Skuld  (the  future).  The  spring  at  the 
Jotunheim  side  is  Ymir's  well,  in  which  Avisdom  and  wit  lie 
hidden,   but   that  of   Niffleheim   feeds   the   adder,  Nidhogge 


408 


STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 


(darkness),  which  perpetually  gnaws  at  the  root.  Four  harts 
run  across  the  branches  of  the  tree  and  bite  the  buds ;  they 
represent  the  four  winds.  Under  the  tree  lies  Yrair,  and  when 
he  tries  to  shake  off  its  weight  the  earth  quakes. 

Asgard  is  the  name  of  the  abode  of  the  gods,  access  to  which 
is  only  gained  by  crossing  t^e  bridge,  Bifrost  (the  rainbow). 


Asgard  consists  of  golden  and  silver  palaces,  the  dwellings  of 
the  gods,  but  the  most  beautiful  of  these  is  Valhalla,  the 
residence  of  Odin.  When  seated  on  his  throne  he  overlooks 
all  heaven  and  earth.  Upon  his  shoulders  are  the  ravens 
Hugin  and  Munin,  who  fly  every  day  over  the  Avhole  world, 
and  on  their  return  report  to  him  all  they  have  seen  and  heard. 
At  his  feet  lie  his  two  wolves,  Geri  and  Freki,  to  whom  Odin 
gives  all  the  meat  that  is  set  before  him,  for  he  himself  stands 


VALHALLA.  —  THE  VALKYRIOR.  409 

in  no  need  of  food.  Mead  is  for  liim  both  food  and  di-ink. 
He  invented  the  Runic  characters,  and  it  is  the  business  of  the 
Korns  to  engrave  the  runes  of  fate  upon  a  metal  shield.  From 
Odin's  name,  spelt  Wodin,  as  it  sometimes  is,  came  Wednes- 
day, the  name  of  the  fourth  day  of  the  week. 

Odin  is  frequently  called  Alfadur  (All-father),  but  this  name 
is  sometimes  used  in  a  way  that  shows  that  the  Scandinavians 
had  an  idea  of  a  deity  superior  to  Odin,  uncreated  and  eternal. 


Of  the  Joys  of  Valhalla. 

Valhalla  is  the  great  hall  of  Odin,  wherein  lie  feasts  with  his 
chosen  heroes,  all  those  Avho  have  fallen  bravely  in  battle,  for 
all  who  die  a  peaceful  death  are  excluded.  The  flesh  of  the 
boar  Schrimnir  is  served  up  to  them,  and  is  abundant  for  all. 
For  although  this  boar  is  cooked  every  morning,  he  becomes 
whole  again  every  night.  For  drink  the  heroes  ai'e  supplied 
abundantly  with  mead  from  the  she-goat  Heidrun.  When  the 
heroes  are  not  feasting  they  amuse  themselves  with  fighting. 
Every  day  they  ride  out  into  the  court  or  field  and  fight  until 
they  cut  each  other  in  pieces.  This  is  their  pastime  ;  but  when 
meal-time  comes,  they  recover  from  their  Avounds  and  return 
to  feast  in  Valhalla. 


The  Va 


LKYRIOR. 


The  Valkyrior  are  Avarlike  virgins,  mounted  upon  horses  and 
armed  Avith  "helmets,  shields,  and  spears.  Odin,  Avho  is  desi- 
rous to  collect  a  great  many  heroes  in  Valhalla,  to  be  al)le  to 
meet  the  giants  in  a  day  Avhen  the  final  contest  must  come, 
sends  doAvn  to  every  battle-field  to  make  choice  of  those  Avho 
shall  be  slain.  The  Valkyrior  are  his  messengers,  and  their 
name  means  "  Choosers  of  the  slain."  When  they  ride  forth 
on  their  errand  their  armor  sheds  a  strange  flickering  light, 
Avhich  flashes  up  over  the  northern  skies,  making  Avhat  men 
call  the  "  Aurora  Borealis,"  or  "  Northern  Lights."  ^ 

1  Gray's  ode,  The  Fatal  Sisters,  is  founded  on  this  superstition. 


410  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

The  following  is  by  Matthew  Arnold  :  — 

" He  crew  at  dawn  a  cheerful  note, 

To  wake  the  gods  and  heroes  to  their  tasks. 

And  all  the  gods  and  all  the  heroes  woke. 

And  from  their  beds  the  heroes  rose  and  donned 

Their  arms,  and  led  their  horses  from  the  stall, 

And  mounted  them,  and  in  Valhalla's  court 

Were  ranged ;  and  then  the  daily  fray  began, 

And  all  day  long  they  there  are  hacked  and  hewn 

'Mid  dust  and  groans,  and  limbs  lopped  off,  and  blood ; 

But  all  at  night  return  to  Odin's  hall 

Woundlcss  and  fresh ;  such  lot  is  theirs  in  heaven. 

And  the  Valkyries  on  their  steeds  went  forth 

Toward  earth  and  fights  of  men  ;  and  at  their  side 

Skulda,  the  youngest  of  the  Nornies,  rode ; 

And  over  Bifrost,  where  is  Heimdall's  watch. 

Past  Midgard  Fortress,  down  to  Earth  they  came; 

There  through  some  battle-field,  where  men  fall  fast, 

Their  horses  fetlock-deep  in  blood,  they  ride, 

And  pick  the  bravest  warriors  out  for  death, 

Whom  they  bring  back  with  them  at  night  to  heaven. 

To  glad  the  gods,  and  feast  in  Odin's  hall." 

Balder  Dead. 

This  description  of  The  Funeral  of   Balder  is  by  William 
Morris :  ..        o     . 

" Guest 

Gazed  through  the  cool  ilu^k,  till  his  eyes  did  rest 

Upon  the  noble  stories,  painted  fair 

On  the  high  panelling  and  roof-boards  there ; 

For  over  the  high  seat,  in  his  ship,  there  lay 

The  gold-haired  Balder,  god  of  the  dead  day, 

The  spring-fiowers  round  his  high  pile,  waiting  there 

Until  the  gods  there  to  the  torch  should  bear ; 

And  they  were  wrought  on  this  side  and  on  that, 

Drawing  on  towards  him.     There  was  Frey,  and  sat 

On  the  gold-bristled  boar,  who  first  they  say 

Ploughed  the  brown  earth,  and  made  it  green  for  Frey; 

Then  came  dark-bearded  Niod;  and  after  him 

Frcyia,  thin-robed,  about  her  ankles  slim 

The  grey  cats  playing.     In  another  place 

Thor's  hammer  gleamed  o'er  Thor's  red-bearded  face ; 

And  Heimdal,  with  the  gold  horn  slung  behind. 

That  in  the  GocFs-dusk  he  shall  surely  wind. 

Sickening  all  hearts  with  fear ;  and  last  of  all, 

Was  Odin's  sorrow  wrought  upon  the  wall. 

As  slow-paced,  weary-faced,  he  went  along. 

Anxious  with  all  the  tales  of  woe  and  wrong 

His  ravens,  Thought  and  Memory,  bring  to  him." 

The  Earthly  Paradise :  The  Lovers  of  Godrun. 


THOR. 


411 


Of  Thor  and  the  Other  Gods. 

Thor,  the  thunderer,  Odin's  t4dest  son,  is  the  strongest  of  gods 
and  men,  and  possesses  three  very  precious  things.     The  first 


is  liis  hammer,  Miolnir,  which  both  the  Frost  and  the  Mountain 
giants  know  to  their  cost,  when  they  see  it  hurled  against  them  in 
the  air,  for  it  has  split  many  a  skull  of  their  fathers  and  kindred. 


412  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Wlien  thrown,  it  returns  to  his  hand  of  its  own  accord.  The 
second  rare  thing  he  jiossesses  is  called  the  belt  of  strength. 
When  he  girds  it  about  him  his  divine  might  is  doubled.  The 
third,  also  very  i^recious,  is  his  iron  gloves,  which  he  puts  on 
whenever  he  would  use  his  mallef  efficiently.  From  Thor's 
name  is  derived  our  word  Thursday. 

This  descrijjtion  of  Tlior  is  by  Longfellow  :  — 

"  I  am  the  God  Thor, 
I  am  the  War  God, 
I  am  the  Thunderer ! 
Here  in  ray  Northland, 
My  fastness  and  fortress, 
Reign  I  forever ! 

"  Here  amid  icebergs 
Rule  I- the  nations; 
This  is  my  liammer, 
Miolner  the  mighty ; 
Giants  and  sorcerers 
Cannot  withstand  it! 

"These  are  the  gauntlets 
Wherewith  I  wield  it, 
And  hurl  it  afar  oif ; 
This  is  my  girdle ; 
Whenever  I  brace  it 
Strength  is  i-edoubled ! 

"The  light  thou  bcholdest 
Stream  through  the  heavens, 
In  flashes  of  crimson. 
Is  but  my  red  beard 
Blown  by  the  night  wind, 
Affrighting  the  nations ! 

"  Jove  is  my  brother ; 
Mine  eyes  are  the  lightning; 
The  wheels  of  my  chariot 
Roll  in  the  thunder, 
The  blow\s  of  my  liammer 
Ring  in  the  tliundcr." 

Tales  of  a  Wariside  Inn. 

Frey  is  one  of  the  most  celebrated  of  the  gods.     He  presides 
over  rain  and  sunshine  and  all  the  fruits  of  the  earth.     His  sis- 


LOKI    AND    HIS    PROGENY  413 

ter  Freya  is  the  most  propitious  of  the  goddesses.  She  loves 
music,  spi'ing,  and  flowers,  and  is  jiarticularly  fond  of  the  Elves 
(fairies).  She  is  very  fond  of  love-ditties,  and  all  lovers  would 
do  well  to  invoke  her. 

Bragi  is  the  god  of  poetry,  and  his  song  records  the  deeds 
of  warriors.  His  wife,  Iduna,  keeps  in  a  box  the  apples  which 
the  gods,  when  they  feel  old  age  a2:)proaching,  have  only  to 
taste  of  to  become  young  again. 

Heimdall  is  the  watchman  of  the  gods,  and  is  therefore  placed 
on  the  borders  of  heaven  to  prevent  the  giants  from  forcing 
their  way  over  the  bridge  Bifrost  (the  rainbow.)  He  requires 
less  sleep  than  a  bird,  and  sees  by  night  as  well  as  by  day  a 
hundred  miles  all  around  him.  So  acute  is  his  ear  that  no 
sound  escapes  him,  for  he  can  even  hear  the  grass  grow  and 
the  wool  on  a  sheep's  back. 


Of  Loki  and  his  Progeny. 

There  is  another  deity  who  is  described  as  the  calumniator 
of  the  gods  and  the  contriver  of  all  fraud  and  mischief.  His 
name  is  Loki.  He  is  handsome  and  well  made,  but  of  a  very 
fickle  mood  and  most  evil  disposition.  _  He  is  of  the  giant  race, 
but  forced  himself  into  the  company  of  the  gods,  and  seems  to 
take  pleasure  in  bringing  them  into  difticulties,  and  in  extri- 
cating them  out  of  the  danger  by  his  cunning,  wit,  and  skill. 
Loki  has  three  children.  The  first  is  the  wolf  Fenris,  the 
second  the  Midgard  serpent,  the  third  Hela  (Death).  The 
gods  were  not  ignorant  that  these  monsters  were  growing  up, 
and  that  they  would  one  day  bring  much  evil  upon  gods  and 
men.  So  Odin  deemed  it  advisable  to  send  one  to  bring  them 
to  him.  When  they  came  he  threw  the  serpent  into  that  deep 
ocean  by  which  the  earth  is  surrounded.  But  the  monster  has 
grown  to  such  an  enormous  size  that  holding  his  tail  in  his 
mouth  he  encircles  the  whole  earth,  Hela  he  cast  into  Niffle- 
heim,  and  gave  her  power  over  nine  worlds  or  regions,  into 
which  she  distributes  those  who  are  sent  to  her ;  that  is,  all 
who  die  of  sickness  or  old  ase.     Her  hall  is  called  Elvidnir. 


414  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Hunger  is  her  table,  Starvation  her  knife,  Delay  her  man, 
Slowness  her  maid,  Precipice  her  threshold.  Care  her  bed,  and 
Burning-anguish  forms  the  hangings  of  her  apartments.  She 
may  easily  be  recognized,  for  her  body  is  half  flesh-color  and 
half  blue,  and  she  has  a  dreadfully  stern  and  forbidding  coun- 
tenance. 

The  wolf  Fenris  gave  the  gods  a  great  deal  of  trouble  before 
they  succeeded  in  chaining  him.  He  broke  the  strongest  fet- 
ters as  if  they  were  made  of  cobwebs.  Finally  the  gods  sent 
a  messenger  to  the  mountain  spirits,  who  made  for  them  the 
chain  called  Gleipnir.  It  is  fashioned  of  six  things,  viz.,  the 
noise  made  by  the  footfall  of  a  cat,  the  beards  of  women,  the 
roots  of  stones,  the  breath  of  fishes,  the  nerves  (sensibilities)  of 
bears,  and  the  spittle  of  birds.  When  finished  it  was  as  smooth 
and  soft  as  a  silken  string.  But  when  the  gods  asked  the  wolf 
to  suffer  himself  to  be  bound  with  this  apparently  slight  rib- 
bon, he  suspected  their  design,  fearing  that  it  was  made  by 
enchantment.  But  Tyr  (the  sword  god),  to  quiet  his  sus- 
picions, placed  his  hand  in  Fenris'  movith.  Then  the  other  gods 
bound  the  wolf  with  Gleipnir.  But  when  the  wolf  found  that 
he  could  not  break  his  fetters,  and  that  the  gods  would  not 
release  him,  he  bit  off  Tyr's  hand,  and  he  has  ever  since  re- 
mained one-handed. 


How  Thor  Paid  the  Mountaust  Giant  his  Wages. 

Once  on  a  time,  when  the  gods  were  constructing  their 
abodes  and  had  already  finished  Midgard  and  Valhalla,  a  cer- 
tain artificer  came  and  offered  to  build  them  a  residence  so 
w^ell  fortified  that  they  should  be  perfectly  safe  from  the  incur- 
sions of  the  Frost  giants  and  the  giants  of  the  mountains.  But 
he  demanded  for  his  reward  the  goddess  Freya,  together  with 
the  sun  and  moon.  The  gods  yielded  to  his  terms,  provided 
he  would  finish  the  whole  work  himself  without  any  one's 
assistance,  and  all  within  the  space  of  one  winter.  But  if  any- 
thing remained  unfinished  on  the  first  day  of  summer  he  should 
forfeit  the  recompense  agreed  on.     On  being  told  these  terms 


THOR    AND    THE    MOUNTAIN    GIANT.  415 

the  artificer  stipulated  that  lie  should  be  allowed  the  use  of  liis 
horse  Svadilfari,  and  tliis  by  the  advice  of  Loki  was  granted  to 
him.  He  accordingly  set  to  woi-k  on  the  first  day  of  winter, 
and  during  the  night  let  his  horse  draw  stone  for  the  building. 
The  enormous  size  of  the  stones  struck  the  gods  with  astonish- 
ment, and  they  saw  clearly  that  the  horse  did  one  half  more  of 
the  toilsome  work  than  his  master.  Their  bargain,  however, 
had  been  concluded,  and  confirmed  by  solemn  oaths,  for  with- 
out these  precautions  a  giant  would  not  liave  thought  himself 
safe  among  the  gods,  especially  when  Thor  should  return  from 
an  expedition  he  had  then  undertaken  against  the  evil  demons. 

As  the  winter  drew  to  a  close,  tlie  building  was  far  advanced, 
and  the  bulwarks  were  sufliciently  high  and  massive  to  render 
the  place  impregnable.  In  short,  when  it  wanted  but  three 
days  to  summer  the  only  part  that  remained  to  be  finished  was 
the  gateway.  Then  sat  the  gods  on  their  seats  of  justice  and 
entered  into  consultation,  inquiring  of  one  another  who  among 
them  could  have  advised  to  give  Freya  away,  or  to  plunge  the 
heavens  in  darkness  by  permitting  the  giant  to  carry  away  the 
sun  and  the  moon. 

They  all  agreed  that  no  one  but  Loki,  the  author  of  so  many 
evil  deeds,  could  have  given  such  bad  counsel,  and  that  he 
should  be  put  to  a  cruel  death  if  he  did  not  contrive  some  way 
to  prevent  the  artificer  from  completing  his  task  and  obtaining 
the  stipulated  recompense.  They  proceeded  to  lay  hands  on 
Loki,  who  in  his  fright  promised  upon  oath  that,  let  it  cost  him 
what  it  would,  he  would  so  manage  matters  that  the  man 
should  lose  his  reward.  That  very  night  when  the  man  w-ent 
with  Svadilfari  for  building-stone,  a  mare  suddenly  ran  out  of 
a  forest  and  began  to  neigh.  The  horse  thereat  broke  loose 
and  ran  after  the  mare  into  the  forest,  which  obliged  the  man 
also  to  run  after  his  horse,  and  thus  bel^veen  one  and  another 
the  whole  night  was  lost,  so  that  at  dawn  the  work  had  not 
made  the  usual  jn'ogress.  The  man,  seeing  that  he  must  fail 
of  completing  his  task,  resumed  his  own  gigantic  stature,  and 
the  gods  now  clearly  perceived  that  it  was  in  reality  a  moun- 
tain giant  who  had  come  amongst  them.  Feeling  no  longer 
bound  by  their  oaths,  they  called  on  Thor,  who  immediately 


416  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

ran  to  their  assistance,  and  lifting  uj^  his  mallet,  ijaid  the  work- 
man his  wages,  not  with  the  sun  and  moon,  and  not  even  by 
sending  him  back  to  Jotunheim,  for  with  the  first  blow  he  shat- 
tered the  giant's  skull  to  pieces  and  hurled  him  headlong  into 
Niffloheim. 

The  Recovery  of  the  Hammer. 

Once  upon  a  time  it  happened  that  Thor's  hammer  fell  into 
the  possession  of  tlie  giant  Thrym,  who  bux'ied  it  eight  fathoms 
deep  under  the  rocks  of  Jotunheim.  Thor  sent  Loki  to 
negotiate  with  Thrym,  but  he  could  only  prevail  so  far  as  to 
get  the  giant's  promise  to  restore  the  weapon  if  Freya  would 
consent  to  be  his  bride.  Loki  returned  and  reported  the 
result  of  his  mission,  but  the  goddess  of  love  was  quite  horrified 
at  the  idea  of  bestowing  her  charms  on  the  king  of  the  Frost 
giants.  In  this  emergency  Loki  persuaded  Thor  to  dress  him- 
self in  Freya's  clothes  and  accompany  him  to  Jotunheim. 
Thrym  received  his  veiled  bride  with  due  courtesy,  but 
was  greatly  surprised  at  seeing  her  eat  for  her  supper  eight 
salmon  and  a  full-grown  ox,  besides  other  delicacies,  washing 
the,  whole  down  with  three  tuns  of  mead.  Loki,  however,  as- 
sured him  that  she  had  not  tasted  anything  for  eight  long 
nights,  so  great  Avas  her  desire  to  see  her  lover,  the  renowned 
ruler  of  Jotunheim.  Thrym  had  at  length  the  curiosity  to 
peep  under  his  bride's  veil,  but  started  back  in  affright,  and 
demanded  why  Freya's  eyeballs  glistened  Avith  fire.  Loki 
repeated  the  same  excuse  and  the  giant  was  satisfied.  He 
ordered  the  hammer  to  be  brought  in  and  laid  on  the  maiden's 
lap.  Thereupon  Thor  threw  off  his  disguise,  grasped  his  re- 
doubted weapon  and  slaughtered  Thrym  and  all  his  followers 

Frey  also  possessed,  a  wonderful  weapon,  a  sword  Avhich 
would  of  itself  sj)read  a  field  with  carriage  whenever -the  owner 
desired  it.  Frey  parted  with  this  sword,  but  was  less  fortunate 
than  Thor  and  never  recovered  it.  It  happened  in  this  Avay : 
Frey  once  mounted  Odin's  throne,  from  whence  one  can  see 
over  the  whole  universe,  and  looking  round  saw  far  off  in  the 
giant's  kingdom  a  beautiful  maid,  at  the  sight  of  whom  he  was 


FREY    AND    GERDA.  417 

struck  with  sudden  sadness,  insomuch  that  from  tliat  moment 
he  could  neither  sleep,  nor  drink,  nor  speak.  At  last  Skirnir, 
his  messenger,  drew  his  secret  from  him,  and  undertook  to  get 
him  the  maiden  for  his  bride,  if  he  would  give  him  his  sword  as 
a  reward.  Frey  consented  and  gave  him  the  sword,  and 
Skirnir  set  off  on  his  journey  and  obtained  the  maiden's 
promise  that  within  nine  nights  she  would  come  to  a  certain 
place  and  there  wed  Frey.  Skirnir  having  reported  the  suc- 
cess of  his  errand,  Frey  exclaimed, — 

"  Long'  is  one  night, 
Long:  ai"e  two  nights, 
But  how  shall  I  hold  out  three  ? 
Shortei-  hath  seeuiecl 
A  month  to  mc  oft 
Than  of  this  longing  time  the  half." 

So  Frey  obtained  Gerda,  the  most  beautiful  of  all  women,  for 
his  wife,  but  he  lost  his  sword. 

This  story,  entitled  Skirnir  For,  and  the  one  immediately 
preceding  it,  Thrym's  Quida,  will  be  found  poetically  told  in 
Longfellow's  Poets  and  Poetry  of  Europe. 


..S^-S^^x^ 


CHAPTER    XXXII. 


THOR'S   VISIT   TO   JOTUNHEIM. 


ONE  day  the  god  Thor,  accomiDanied  by  his  servant  Thialfi, 
and  also  by  Loki,  set  out  on  a  joui-ney  to  the  giant's 
country.  "  Thialfi  was  of  all  men  the  swiftest  of  foot.  He  bore 
Thor's  wallet,  containing  their  provisions.  When  night  came 
on  they  found  themselves  in  an  immense  forest,  and  searched 
on  all  sides  for  a  place  where  they  might  pass  the  night,  and  at 
last  came  to  a  very  large  hall,  with  an  entrance  that  took  the 
whole  breadth  of  one  end  of  the  building.  Here  they  lay 
down  to  sleep,  but  towards  midnight  were  alarmed  by  an  earth- 
quake which  shook  the  whole  edifice.  Thor  rising  up  called 
on  his  companion  to  seek  Avith  him  a  place  of  safety.  On  the 
right  they  found  an  adjoining  chamber,  into  which  the  others 
entered,  but  Thor  remained  at  the  doorway  Avith  his  mallet  in 

(418) 


thor's  visit  to  jotunheim.  419 

his  hand,  prepared  to  defend  himself,  whatever  might  happen. 
A  terrible  groaning  was  lieard  during  the  night,  and  at  dawn 
of  day  Thor  went  out  and  found  lying  near  hira  a  huge  giant, 
Avho  slept  and  snored  in  the  way  that  had  alarmed  them  so. 
It  is  said  that  for  once  Thor  was  afraid  to  use  his  mallet,  and 
as  the  giant  soon  waked  up,  Thor  contented  himself  Avith 
simply  asking  his  name. 

"My  name  is  Skrymir,"  said  the  giant,  "but  I  need  not  ask 
thy  name,  for  I  know  that  thou  art  the  god  Thor.  But  what 
has  become  of  my  glove?"  Thor  then  perceived  that  what 
they  had  taken  overnight  for  a  hall  was  the  giant's  glove,  and 
the  chamber  where  his  two  companions  had  sought  refuge  was 
the  thumb.  Skrymir  then  proposed  that  they  should  travel  in 
company,  and  Thor  consenting,  they  sat  down  to  eat  their 
breakfast,  and  when  they  had  done,  Skrymir  packed  all  the 
provisions  into  one  wallet,  threw  it  over  his  shoulder,  and 
strode  on  before  them,  taking  such  tremendous  strides  that 
they  were  hard  put  to  it  to  keep  up  with  him.  So  they  trav- 
elled the  whole  day,  and  at  dusk,  Skrymir  chose  a  jjlace  for 
them  to  pass  the  night  in  under  a  large  oak-tree.  Skrymir 
then  told  them  he  would  lie  down  to  sleep.  "  But  take  ye  the 
wallet,"  he  added,  "  and  prepare  your  supper." 

Skrymir  soon  fell  asleep  and  began  to  snore  strongly,  but 
when  Thor  tried  to  open  the  wallet,  he  found  the  giant  had 
tied  it  up  so  tight  he  could  not  untie  a  single  knot.  At  last 
Thor  became  wroth,  and  grasping  his  mallet  with  both  hands 
he  struck  a  furious  blow  on  the  giant's  head.  Skrymir  awak- 
ening merely  asked  Avhether  a  leaf  had  not  fallen  on  his  head, 
and  whether  they  had  supped  and  were  ready  to  go  to  sleep. 
Thor  answered  that  they  were  just  going  to  sleep,  and  so 
saying  went  and  laid  himself  down  under  another  tree.  But 
sleep  came  not  that  night  to  Thor,  and  when  Skrymir  snored 
again  so  loud  that  the  forest  re-echoed  with  the  noise,  he  arose, 
and  grasping  his  mallet  launched  if  with  such  force  at  the 
giant's  skull  that  it  made  a  deep  dint  in  it.  Skrymir  awak- 
ening cried  out,  "What's  the  matter?  are  there  any  birds 
perched  on  this  tree  ?  I  felt  some  moss  from  the  branches  fall 
on  my  head.    How  fares  it  with  thee,  Thor?  "    Biit  Thor  went 


420  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

away  liastily,  saying  that  lie  had  just  then  awoke,  and  that  as 
it  was  only  midnight,  there  was  still  time  for  sleep.  He  how- 
ever resolved  that  if  he  had  an  opportunity  of  striking  a  third 
blow,  it  should  settle  all  matters  between  them.  A  little 
before  daybreak  he  perceived  that  Skrymir  was  again  fast 
asleep,  and  again  grasping  his  mallet,  he  dashed  it  with  such 
violence  that  it  forced  its  way  into  the  giant's  skull  up  to  the 
handle.  But  Skrymir  sat  up,  and  stroking  his  cheek,  said, 
"An  acorn  fell  on  my  head.  What !  Art  thou  awake,  Thor? 
Methinks  it  is  time  for  us  to  get  up  and  dress  ourselves  ; 
but  you  have  not  now  a  long  way  before  you  to  the  city  called 
Utgard.  I  have  heard  you  whispering  to  one  another  that 
I  am  not  a  man  of  small  dimensions;  but  if  you  come  to  Utgard 
you  will  see  there  many  men  much  taller  than  I.  Wherefore 
I  advise  you,  when  you  come  there,  not  to  make  too  much  of 
yourselves,  for  the  followers  of  Utgard-Loki  will  not  brook  the 
boasting  of  such  little  fellows  as  you  are.  You  must  take  the 
road  that  leads  eastward,  mine  lies  northward,  so  we  must  part 
here." 

Hereupon  he  threw  his  wallet  over  his  shoulders,  and  turned 
away  from  them  into  the  forest,  and  Thor  had  no  wish  to  stop 
him  or  to  ask  for  any  more  of  his  comj)any. 

Thor  and  his  companions  [)roceeded  on  their  way,  and 
towards  noon  descried  a  city  standing  in  the  middle  of  a  plain. 
It  was  so  lofty  that  they  Mere  obliged  to  bend  their  necks  quite 
back  on  their  shoulders  in  order  to  see  to  the  top  of  it.  On 
arriving  they  entered  the  city,  and  seeing  a  large  palace  before 
them  with  the  door  wide  open,  they  went  in,  and  found  a  num- 
ber of  men  of  prodigious  stature,  sitting  on  benches  in  the  hall. 
Going  further,  they  came  before  the  king  Utgard-Loki,  whom 
they  saluted  Avith  great  respect.  The  king,  regarding  them 
with  a  scornful  smile,  said,  "If  I  do  not  mistake  me,  that 
stripling  yonder  must  be  the  god  Thor."  Then  addressing 
himself  to  Thor,  he  said,  "  Perhaps  thou  mayst  be  more  than 
thou  appearest  to  be.  What  are  the  feats  that  thou  and  thy 
fellows  deem  yourselves  skilled  in,  for  no  one  is  permitted  to 
remain  here  who  does  not,  in  some  feat  or  other,  excel  all  other 
men?" 


TIIOIl's    VISIT    TO    JOTUNHEIM.  421 

"The  feat  that  I  know,"  said  Loki,  "is  to  eat  quicker  than 
any  one  else,  and  in  this  I  am  ready  to  give  a  proof  against 
any  one  here  who  may  choose  to  comjiete  with  me." 

"  That  will  indeed  be  a  feat,"  said  Utgard-Loki,  "  if  thou 
perforniest  what  thou  promisest,  and  it  shall  be  tried  forth- 
with." 

lie  then  ordered  one  of  his  men  who  was  sitting  at  the 
farther  end  of  the  bench,  and  whose  name  was  Logi,  to  come 
foi-ward  and  try  liis  skill  with  Loki.  A  trough  filled  Avith  meat 
having  been  set  on  the  hall  floor,  Loki  placed  himself  at  one 
end,  and  Logi  at  the  other,  and  each  of  them  began  to  eat  as 
fast  as  he  could,  until  they  met  in  the  middle  of  the  trough. 
But  it  was  found  tliat  Loki  had  only  eaten  the  flesh,  while  his 
adversary  had  devoured  both  flesh  and  bone,  and  the  trough 
to  boot.  All  the  company  tlierefore  adjudged  tliat  Loki  was 
vanquislied. 

Utgard-Loki  then  asked  what  feat  the  young  man  who  ac- 
companied Tlior  could  perform.  Thialfi  answered  that  he 
Avould  run  a  race  Avith  any  one  Avho  might  be  matched  against 
him.  The  king  observed  that  skill  in  running  was  something 
to  boast  of,  but  if  the  youth  would  Avin  the  match  he  must 
display  great  agility.  lie  then  arose  and  went  with  all  who 
were  }>resent  to  a  plain  Avhere  tliere  was  good  ground  for 
running  on,  and  calling  a  young  man  named  Hugi,  bade  him 
run  a  match  with  Thialfi.  In  the  first  course  Hugi  so  much 
outstripi)ed  his  competitor  that  he  turned  back  and  met  him 
not  far  from  the  starting-place.  Tlien  they  ran  a  second  and  a 
third  time,  but  Thialfi  met  with  no  better  success. 

LTtgard-Loki  tlien  asked  Thor  in  what  feats  he  Avould  choose 
to  give  proofs  of  that  prowess  for  Avhich  he  was  so  famous. 
Thor  ansAvered  that  he  Avould  try  a  drinking-match  Avith  any 
one.  ITtgard  Loki  bade  his  cupbearer  bring  the  large  liorn 
Avhich  his  folloAvers  Avere  obliged  to  empty  Avhen  they  had 
trespassed  "in  any  Avay  against  the  laAV  of  the  feast.  The  cup- 
bearer having  presented  it  to  Thor,  ITtgard-Loki  said,  "  Who- 
ever is  a  good  drinker  will  empty  that  horn  at  a  single 
draught,  though  most  men  make  tAVO  of  it,  but  the  most  puny 
drinker  can  do  it  in  three." 


422  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Thor  looked  at  the  horn,  which  seemed  of  no  extraordinary 
size  though  somewhat  long ;  however,  as  he  was  very  thirsty, 
he  set  it  to  his  lips,  and  without  drawing  breath,  j^ulled  as 
long  and  as  deeply  as  he  could,  that  he  might  not  be  obliged 
to  make  a  second  draught  of  it ;  but  when  he  set  the  horn 
down  and  looked  in,  he  could  scarcely  perceive  that  the 
liquor  was  diminished. 

After  taking  breath,  Thor  went  to  it  again  with  all  his  might, 
but  Avhen  he  took  the  horn  from  his  mouth,  it  seemed  to  him. 
that  he  had  drank  rather  less  than  before,  although  the  horn 
could  now  be  carried  Avithout  spilling. 

"  How  now,  Thor,"  said  Utgard-Loki,  "  thou  must  not  spare 
thyself ;  if  thou  meanest  to  drain  the  horn  at  the  third  draught 
thou  must  pull  deeply ;  and  I  must  needs  say  that  thou  wilt 
not  be  called  so  mighty  a  man  here  as  thou  art  at  home  if  thou 
showest  no  greater  prowess  in  other  feats  than  methinks  will 
be  shown  in  this." 

Thor,  full  of  wrath,  again  set  the  horn  to  his  lips,  and  did 
his  best  to  empty  it ;  but  on  looking  in  found  the  liquor  was 
only  a  little  lower,  so  he  resolved  to  make  no  further  attempt, 
but  gave  back  the  horn  to  the  cupbearer. 

"  I  noAV  see  plainly,"  said  Utgard-Loki,  "  that  thou  art  not 
quite  so  stout  as  we  thought  thee  ;  but  wilt  thou  try  any  other 
feat,  though  methinks  thou  art  not  likely  to  bear  any  prize 
aAvay  with  thee  hence." 

"What  new  trial  hast  thou  to  propose?"  said  Thor. 

"  We  have  a  very  trifling  game  here,"  answered  Utgard- 
Loki,  "  in  which  we  exercise  none  but  children.  It  consists  in 
merely  lifting  my  cat  from  the  ground;  nor  should  I  have 
dared  to  mention  such  a  feat  to  the  great  Thor  if  I  had  not 
already  observed  that  thou  art  bv  no  means  what  we  took  thee 
for." 

As  he  finished  speaking,  a  large  gray  cat  sprang  on  the  hall 
floor.  Thor  put  his  hand  under  the  cat's  belly  and  did  his 
utmost  to  raise  him  from  the  floor,  but  the  cat,  bending  his 
back,  had,  notwithstanding  all  Thor's  efforts,  only  one  of  his 
feet  lifted  up,  seeing  which  Thor  made  no  further  attempt. 

"This  trial  has  turned  out,"  said  Utgard-Loki,  "just  as  I 


thor's  visit  to  jotunheim.  423 

imagined  it  would.  The  cat  is  large,  but  Thor  is  little  in  com- 
parison to  our  men." 

"  Little  as  ye  call  me,"  answered  Thor,  "  let  me  see  who 
among  you  will  come  hither  now  I  am  in  wrath  and  wrestle 
with  me. " 

"  I  see  no  one  here,  "  said  Utgard-Loki,  looking  at  the  men 
sitting  on  the  benches,  "  who  would  not  think  it  beneath 
him  to  wrestle  with  thee  ;  let  somebody,  however,  call  hither 
that  old  cronej  my  nurse  Elli,  and  let  Thor  wrestle  with  her  if 
he  Avill.  She  has  thrown  to  the  ground  many  a  man  not  less 
strong  than  this  Thor  is.  " 

A  toothless  old  woman  then  entered  the  hall,  and  was  told 
by  Utgard-Loki  to  take  hold  of  Thor.  The  tale  is  shortly 
told.  The  more  Thor  tightened  his  hold  on  the  crone  the 
firmer  she  stood.  At  length,  after  a  very  violent  struggle,  Thor 
began  to  lose  his  footing,  and  was  finally  brought  down  upon  one 
knee.  Utgard-Loki  their  told  them  to  desist,  adding  that  Thor 
had  now  no  occasion  to  ask  any  one  else  in  the  hall  to  Avrestle 
with  him,  and  it  was  also  getting  late ;  so  he  showed  Thor  and 
his  companions  to  their  seats,  and  they  passed  the  night  there 
in  good  cheer. 

The  next  morning  at  break  of  day,  Thor  and  his  companions 
dressed  themselves  and  prepared  for  their  departure.  Utgard- 
Loki  ordered  a  table  to  be  set  for  them,  on  which  there  was  no 
lack  of  victuafe  or  drink.  After  the  repast  Utgard-Loki  led  them 
to  the  gate  of  the  city,  and  on  parting  asked  Thor  how  he 
thought  his  journey  had  turned  out,  and  whether  he  had  met 
Avith  any  men  stronger  than  himself.  Thor  told  him  that  he 
could  not  deny  but  that  he  had  brought  great  shame  on  him- 
self. "  And  Avhat  gricA-es  mo  most,"  he  added,  "  is  that  ye  Avill 
call  me  a  person  of  little  Avorth." 

"  Nay, "  said  Utgard-Loki,  "  it  behooves  me  to  tell  thee  the 
truth,  noAV  thou  art  out  of  the  city,  Avhich  so  long  as  I  live  and 
haA'e  my  way  thou  shalt  ncA'er  enter  again.  And,  by  my  troth, 
had  I  known  beforehand  that  thou  hadst  so  much  strength  in 
thee,  and  Avouldst  have  brought  me  so  near  to  a  great  mishaj), 
I  Avould  not  liaA'C  suffered  thee  to  enter  this  time.  KnoAV  then 
that  I  have  all  along  deceived  thee  by  liiy  illusions ;  first  in  the 


424  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

forest  where  I  tied  up  the  wallet  with  iron  wire  so  that  thou 
eouldst  not  untie  it.  After  this  thou  gavest  me  three  blows 
with  the  mallet ;  the  first,  though  the  least,  would  have  ended 
my  days  had  it  fallen  on  me,  but  I  slipped  aside  and  thy  blows 
fell  on  the  mountain  where  thou  Avilt  find  three  glens,  one  of 
them  remarkably  deep.  These  are  the  dints  made  by  thy  mal- 
let. I  liave  made  use  of  similar  illusions  in  the  contests  you 
have  had  with  my  followers.  In  the  first,  Loki,  like  hunger 
itself,  devoured  all  that  was  set  before  him,  but  Logi  was  in 
reality  nothing  else  than  Fire,  and  therefore  consumed  not  only 
the  meat,  but  the  trough  which  held  it.  Rugi,  with  whom 
Thialfi  contended  in  running,  was  Thought,  and  it  was  impos- 
sible for  Thialfi  to  keep  pace  Avith  that.  When  thou  in  thy 
turn  didst  attempt  to  empty  the  horn,  thou  didst  perform,  by 
my  troth,  a  deed  so  marvellous,  that  had  I  not  seen  it  myself, 
I  should  never  have  believed  it.  For  one  end  of  that  horn 
reached  the  sea,  Avhich  thou  wast  not  aware  of,  but  when  thou 
comest  to  the  shore  thou  wilt  perceive  how  much  the  sea  has 
sunk  by  thy  draughts.  Thou  didst  perform  a  feat  no  less  Avon- 
dcrful  by  lifting  up  the  cat,  and  to  tell  thee  the  truth,  Avhen 
Ave  saw  that  one  of  his  paAvs  Avas  off  the  floor,  Ave  were  all  of 
'US  terror-stricken,  for  Avdiat  thou  tookest  for  a  cat  Avas  in  reality 
the  Midgard  serpent  that  encompassetli  the  earth,  and  he  Avas 
so  stretched  by  thee,  that  he  was  barely  long  enough  to  enclose 
it  betAveen  his  head  and  tail.  Thy  Avrestling  Avith  Elli  Avas  also 
a  most  astonishing  feat,  for  there  Avas  never  yet  a  man,  nor  ever 
will  be,  AAdiom  Old  Age,  for  sucli  in  fact  Avas  Elli,  Avill  not 
sooner  or  later  lay  Ioav.  But  noAV,  as  Ave  are  going  to  part,  let 
me  tell  thee  that  it  Avill  be  better  for  both  of  us  if  thou  never 
come  near  me  again,  for  shouldst  thou  do  so,  I  shall  again  de- 
fend myself  by  other  illusions,  so  that  thou  Avilt  only  lose  thy 
labor  and  get  no  fame  from  the  contest  Avith  me." 

On  hearing  these  Avords  Thor  in  a  rage  laid  hold  of  his  mal- 
let and  would  have  launched  it  at  him,  but  Utgard-Loki  had 
disappeared,  and  Avhen  Thor  would  have  returned  to  the  city 
to  destroy  it,  he  found  nothing  around  him  but  a  A^erdant 
plain. 

On  another  occasion  Thor  Avas  more  successful  in   an  en- 


TIIOR  S    VISIT    TO    JOTUNIIEIM. 


425 


counter  with  the  giants.  It  happened  that  Thor  met  with  a 
giant,  Hrungnir  by  name,  who  was  disj^uting  with  Odin  as  to 
the  merits  of  tlieir  respective  horses,  Gullfaxi  and  Sleipnir,  the 


HAMMICK   STRIKES. 


eight-legged.  Thor  and  the  giant  made  an  agreement  to  fight 
together  on  a  certain  day.  But  as  the  day  approached,  the 
giant,  becoming  frightened  at  the  thought  of  encountering 
Thor  alone,  manufactured,  with  the  assistance  of  his  fellow- 
giants,  a  great  giant  of  clay.  He  was  nine  miles  high  and 
three  miles  about  the  chest,  and  in  his  heart  he  had  the  heart 
of  a  mare.     Accompanied  by  the  clay  giant,  Hiningnir  awaited 


426  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND   HEROES. 

Thor  on  the  appointed  day.  Thor  approached  preceded  by 
Thialfi,  his  servant,  who,  running  ahead,  sliouted  out  to 
Hrungnir  that  it  was  useless  to  hold  his  shield  before  him,  for 
the  god  Thor  would  attack  him  out  of  the  ground.  Hrungnir 
at  this  flung  his  shield  on  the  ground,  and,,  standing  upon  it, 
made  ready.  As  Thor  approached  Hrungnir  flung  at  him  an 
immense  club  of  stone.  Thor  flung  his  hammer.  Miolnir 
met  the  club  lialf  way,  broke  it  in  pieces,  and  burying  itself  in 
the  stone  skull  of  Hrungnir,  felled  him  to  the  ground.  Mean- 
Avhile  Thialfi  had  despatched  the  clay  giant  with  a  spade. 
Thor  himself  received  but  a  slight  wound  from  a  fragment  of 
the  oiants  hammer. 


CHAPTER   XXXIII . 


THE   DEATH   OF  BALDUE.  — THE  ELVES. —RUNIC  LETTERS. 
SCALDS.— ICELAND. 

BxVLDUR  the  Good,  liaving  been  tormented  with  terrible 
dreams  indicating  that  his  life  Avas  in  peril,  told  them  to 
the  assembled  gods,  who  resolved  to  conjure  all  things  to  avert 
from  him  the  threatened  danger.  Then  Frigga,  the  wife  of 
Odin,  exacted  an  oatii  from  fire  and  water,  from  iron  and  all 
other  metals,  from  stones,  trees,  diseases,  beasts,  birds,  poisons, 
and  creeping  things,  that  none  of  them  would  do  any  harm  to 
Baldur.  Odin,  not  satisfied  with  all  this,  and  feeling  alarmed 
for  the  'fate  of  his  son,  determined  to  consult  the  prophetess 
Angerbode,  a  giantess,  mother  of  Fenris,  Hcla,  and  the  Mid- 
gard  serpent.  She  Avas  dead,  and  Odin  was  forced  to  seek  her 
in  Hela's  dominions.  This  descent  of  Odin  forms  the  subject 
of  Gray's  fine  ode  beginning,  — 

"  Uprose  the  king  of  men  with  speed 
And  saddled  straight  his  coal-bhick  steed." 

But  the  other  gods,  feeling  that  what  Frigga  had  done  was 
quite  sufiicient,   amused  themselves  with   using  Baldur  as  a 

(427) 


428  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

mark,  some  hurling  darts  at  him,  some  stones,  while  others 
hewed  at  him  with  their  swords  and  battle-axes,  for  do  what 
they  woidd  none  of  them  could  liarm  him.  And  this  became  a 
favorite  pastime  with  them  and  was  regarded  as  an  honor 
shown  to  Baldur.  But  when  Loki  beheld  the  scene  he  was 
sorely  vexed  that  Baldur  was  not  hurt.  Assuming,  therefore, 
the  shape  of  a  woman,  he  Avent  to  Fensalir,  the  mansion  of 
Frigga.  That  goddess,  when  she  saw  the  ])retended  woman, 
inquired  of  her  if  she  knew  what  the  gods  Avere  doing  at  their 
meetings.  She  replied  that  they  were  throwing  darts  and 
stones  at  Baldur,  Avithout  being  able  to  hurt  him.  "  Ay,"  said 
Frigga,  "  neither  stones,  nor  sticks,  nor  anything  else  can  hurt 
Baldur,  for  I  have  exacted  an  oath  from  all  of  them.  "  What," 
exclaimed  the  woman,  "have  all  things  sworn  to  spare  Baldur?" 
"All  things,"  replied  Frigga,  "except  one  little  shrub  that 
grows  on  the  eastern  side  of  Valhalla,  and  is  called  Mistletoe, 
and  wliicli  I  thought  too  young  and  feeble  to  crave  an  oatli 
from." 

As  soon  as  Loki  heard  this  he  went  away,  and  resuming  his 
natural  shape,  cut  off  the  mistletoe,  and  repaired  to  the  i)lace 
where  the  gods  Avcre  assembled.  There  he  found  Hodur 
standing  apart,  without  ])artaking  of  the  sports,  on  account  of 
his  blindness,  and  going  up  to  him,  said,  "  Why  dost  thou  not 
also  throw  something  at  Baldur?" 

"Because  I  am  blind,"  answered  Hodur,  "and  see  not  where 
Baldur  is,  and  have  moreover  nothing  to  throw." 

"  Come,  then,"  said  Loki,  "  do  like  the  rest  and  show  honor 
to  Baldur  by  throwing  this  twig  at  him,  and  I  will  direct  thy 
arm  towards  the  place  where  he  stands." 

Hodur  then  took  the  mistletoe,  and  under  the  guidance  of 
Loki,  darted  it  at  Baldur,  Avho,  pierced  through  and  through, 
fell  down  lifeless.  Surely  never  was  there  witnessed,  either 
among  gods  or  men,  a  more  atrocious  deed  than  this.  When 
Baldur  fell,  the  gods  Avere  struck  speechless  with  horror,  and 
then  they  looked  at  each  other,  and  all  were  of  one  mind  to 
lay  hands  on  him  who  had  done  the  deed,  but  they  were 
obliged  to  delay  their  vengeance  out  of  respect  for  the  sacred 
place  where  they  were  assembled.     They  gave  vent  to  their 


THE    DEATH    OF    liALDUR.  429 

grief  by  loud  lamentations.  When  the  gods  came  to  them- 
selves, Frigga  asked  who  among  them  Avished  to  gain  all  her 
love  and  good  will.  "For  this,"  said  she,  "shall  he  have  who 
will  ride  to  Hel  and  offer  Hela  a  ransom  if  she  will  let  Baldur 
return  to  Asgard."  Whereupon  Hermod,  surnamed  the  Nim- 
ble, the  son  of  Odin,  offered  to  undertake  the  journey.  Odin's 
liorse,  Sleipnir,  which  has  eight  legs,  and  can  outrun  the  wind, 
was  then  led  forth,  on  which  Hermod  mounted  and  galloped 
away  on  his  mission.  For  the  s])ace  of  nine  days  and  as  many 
nights  he  rode  through  deep  glens  so  dark  that  he  could  not 
discern  anything  until  he  arrived  at  the  river  Gyoll,  which  he 
passed  over  on  a  bridge  covered  with  glittering  gold.  The 
maiden  who  kept  the  bridge  asked  him  his  name  and  lineage, 
telling  him  that  the  day  before  five  bands  of  dead  persons  had 
ridden  over  the  bridge,  and  did  not  shake  it  as  much  as  he  alone. 
"But,"  she  added,  "thou  hast  not  death's  hue  on  thee;  why 
then  ridest  thou  here  on  the  way  to  Hel?" 

"I  ride  to  Hel,"  answered  Hermod,  "to  seek  Baldur.  Hast 
thou  perchance  seen  him  pass  this  way?" 

She  replied,  "  Baldur  hath  ridden  over  Gyoll's  bridge,  and 
yonder  lieth  the  way  he  took  to  the  abodes  of  death." 

Hermod  pursued  his  journey  until  he  came  to  the  barred 
gates  of  Hel.  Here  he  alighted,  girthed  his  saddle  tighter,  and 
remounting  clajDped  both  spurs  to  his  horse,  who  cleared  the 
gate  by  a  tremendous  leaj)  without  touching  it.  Hermod  then 
rode  on  to  the  palace  where  he  found  his  brother  Baldur  occupy- 
ing the  most  distinguished  seat  in  the  hall,  and  passed  the 
night  in  his  company.  The  next  morning  he  besought  Hela  to 
let  Baldur  ride  home  with  him,  assuring  her  that  nothing  but 
lamentations  were  to  be  heard  among  the  gods.  Hela  answered 
that  it  should  now  bev  tried  whether  Baldur  was  so  beloved  as 
he  was  said  to  be.  "  If,  therefore,"  she  added,  "  all  things  in 
the  world,  both  living  and  lifeless,  weep  for  him,  then  shall  he 
return  to  life  ;  but  if  any  one  thing  speak  against  him  or  refuse 
to  weep,  he  shall  be  kept  in  Hel." 

Hermod  then  rode  back  to  Asgard  and  gave  an  account  of 
all  he  had  heard  and  witnessed. 

The  gods  upon  this  despatched  messengers  throughout  the 


430  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

world  to  beg  every  thing  to  weep  in  order  that  Baldur  might 
be  delivered  from  Hel.  All  things  very  willingly  complied 
with  this  request,  both  men  and  every  other  living  being,  as 
well  as  earths,  and  stones,  and  trees,  and  metals,  just  as  we 
have  all  seen  tliese  things  weep  when  they  are  brought  from  a 
cold  place  into  a  hot  one.  As  the  messengers  were  returning, 
they  found  an  old  hag  named  Thaukt  sitting  in  a  cavern,  and 
begged  her  to  weep  Baldur  out  of  Hel.     But  she  answered, — 

"  Thaukt  will  wail 
With  chy  tears 
BakUir's  bale-fire. 
Let  Hela  keep  her  own." 

It  was  strongly  suspected  that  this  liag  was  no  other  than 
Loki  himself,  wlio  never  ceased  to  w^ork  evil  among  gods  and 
men.     So  Baldur  Avas  prevented  from  coming  back  to  Asgard.-^ 

Among  Matthew  Arnold's  Poems  is  one  called  "  Balder 
Dead  "  beginning  thus  : 

"  So  on  the  floor  lay  Balder  dead  ;  and  round 
Lay  thickly  strewn  swords,  axes,  darts  and  spears. 
Which  all  the  Gods  in  sport  had  idly  thrown 
At  Balder,  whom  no  weapon  pierced  or  clave  : 
But  in  his  breast  stood  fixt  the  fatal  bou^i^h 
Of  mistletoe,  which  Lok  the  Accuser  gave 
To  Hodcr,  and  unwitting  Hoder  threw : 
'Gainst  that  alone  had  Balder's  life  no  charm. 
And  all  the  Gods  and  all  the  heroes  came 
And  stood  round  Balder  on  the  bloody  floor 
Weeping  and  wailing  ;  and  Valhalla  rang 
Up  to  its  golden  roof  with  sobs  and  cries  : 
And  on  the  table  stood  the  untasted  meats, 
And  in  the  horns  and  gold-rimmed  skulls  the  wine  : 
And  now  would  night  have  follen  and  found  them  yet 
Wailing :  but  otherwise  was  Odin's  will." 


The  Funeral  of  Baldur. 

The  gods  took  up  the  dead  body  and  bore  it  to  the  sea-shore 
.where  stood  Baldur's  ship  Hringham,  which  passed  for  the 
largest   in   the  world.     Baldur's   dead  body  was  put  on   the 

'  In  Longfellow's  roeras,  vol.  i.,  page  379,  will  be  found  a  poem  entitled 
Tegner's  Drapa,  upon  the  subject  of  Baldur's  death. 


THE    FUNERAL    OF    BALDUR.  431 

funeral  j^ile,  on  board  tlie  shij),  and  his  wife  Nanna  was  so 
struck  with  grief  at  the  sight  that  she  broke  her  heart,  and 
her  body  was  burned  on  the  same  pile  with  her  husband's. 
There  was  a  vast  concourse  of  various  kinds  of  people  at 
Baldur's  obsequies.  First  came  Odin  accompanied  by  Frigga, 
the  Valkyrior,  and  his  ravens ;  then  Frey  in  his  car  drawn  by 
Gullinbursti,  the  boar ;  Heimdall  rode  his  horse  Gulltopp,  and 
Freya^drove  in  her  chariot  drawn  by  cats.  There  were  also  a 
great  many  Frost  giants  and  giants  of  the  mountain  j^resent. 
Baldur's  horse  was  led  to  the  pile  fully  caparisoned  and  con- 
sumed in  the  same  flames  with  his  master. 

But  Loki  did  not  escape  his  deserved  punishment.  "When 
he  saw  how  angry  the  gods  were,  he  fled  to  the  mountain,  and 
there  built  himself  a  hut  with  four  doors,  so  that  he  could  see 
every  approaching  danger.  He  invented  a  net  to  catch  the 
fishes,  such  as  fishermen  have  used  since  his  time.  But  Odin 
found  out  his  hiding-place  and  the  gods  assembled  to  take 
him.  He,  seeing  this,  changed  himself  into  a  salmon,  and  lay 
hid  among  the  stones  of  the  brook.  But  the  gods  took  his  net 
and  dragged  the  brook,  and  Loki  finding  he  must  be  caught, 
tried  to  leap  over  the  net ;  but  Thor  caught  him  by  the  tail 
and  compressed  it  so,  that  salmons  ever  since  have  had  that 
part  remarkably  fine  and  thin.  They  bound  him  with  chains 
and  suspended  a  serpent  over  his  head,  whose  venom  falls  upon 
his  face  drop  by  drop.  His  wife  Siguna  sits  by  his  side  and 
catches  the  drops  as  they  fall,  in  a  cup ;  but  when  she  carries 
it  away  to  empty  it,  the  venom  falls  upon  Loki,  which  makes 
him  howl  with  horror,  and  tAvist  his  body  about  so  violently 
that  the  whole  earth  shakes,  and  this  produces  what  men  call 
earthquakes. 

The  Elves. 

The  Edda  mentions  another  class  of  beings,  inferior  to  the 
gods,  but  still  possessed  of  great  power;  these  were  called 
Elves.  The  white  spirits,  or  Elves  of  Light,  were  exceedingly 
fair,  more  brilliant  than  the  sun,  and  clad  in  garments  of  a  deli- 
cate and  transparent  texture.  They  loved  the  light,  were 
kindly  disposed  to  mankind,  and  generally  appeared  as  fair 


432  STORIES  or  gods  and  heroes. 

and  lovely  children.  Their  country  was  called  Alfheim,  and 
was  the  domain  of  Fj-eyr,  the  god  of  the  sun,  in  whose  light 
they  were  always  sporting. 

The  black  or  Night  Elves  Avere  a  different  kind  of  creatures. 
Ugly,  long-nosed  dwarfs,  of  a  dirty  brown  color,  they  ap2)eared 
only  at  night,  for  they  avoided  the  sun  as  their  most  deadly 
enemy,  because  whenever  his  beams  fell  upon  any  of  them 
they  changed  them  immediately  into  stones.  Their  larfguage 
was  the  echo  of  solitudes,  and  their  dwelling-places  subter- 
ranean caves  and  clefts.  They  were  supposed  to  have  come  into 
existence  as  maggots,  produced  by  the  decaying  flesh  of  Ymir's 
body,  and  were  afterwards  endowed  by  the  gods  with  a  human 
form  and  great  understanding.  They  were  particularly  distin- 
guished for  a  knowledge  of  the  mysterious  powers  of  nature, 
and  for  the  runes  which  they  carved  and  explained.  They 
were  the  most  skilful  artificers  of  all  created  beings,  and 
M'orked  in  metals  and  in  wood.  Among  their  most  noted 
works  were  Thor's  hammer,  and  the  ship  Skidbladnir,  which 
they  gave  to  Freyr,  and  which  Avas  so  large  that  it  could  con- 
tain all  the  deities  with  their  war  and  household  implements, 
but  so  skilfully  was  it  wrought  that  when  folded  together  it 
could  be  put  into  a  side  pocket. 

Ragnarok,  the  Twilight  of  the  Gods. 

It  was  a  firm  belief  of  the  northern  nations  that  a  time  would 
come  Avhen  all  the  visible  creation,  the  gods  of  Valhalla  and 
'Niffleheim,  the  inhabitants  of  Jotunheim,  Alfheim,  and  Mid- 
gard,  together  with  their  habitations,  would  be  destroyed. 
The  fearful  day  of  destruction  will  not,  however,  be  without 
its  forerunners.  First  will  come  a  triple  winter,  during  whiqh 
snow  will  fall  from  the  four  corners  of  the  heavens,  the  frost 
be  very  severe,  the  wind  piercing,  the  weather  tempestuous, 
and  the  sun  impart  no  gladness.  Three  such  Avinters  will  pass 
aAvay  Avithout  being  tempered  by  a  single  summer.  Three 
other  similar  Avinters  Avill  then  folloAV,  during  Avhich  Avar  and 
discord  Avill  spread  over  the  universe.  The  earth  itself  Avill  be 
frightened  and  begin  to  tremble,  the  sea  leave  its  basin,  the 


KAGNAROK.  RUNIC  LETTERS.  433 

heavens  tear  asunder,  and  men  perish  in  great  numbers,  and 
the  eagles  of  the  air  feast  upon  their  still  quivering  bodies. 
The  wolf  Fenris  will  now  break  his  bands,  the  Midgard  ser- 
pent rise  out  of  her  bed  in  the  sea,  and  Loki,  released  from  his 
bonds,  will  join  the  enemies  of  the  gods.  Amidst  the  general 
devastation  the  sons  of  Muspelheim  will  rush  forth  under  their 
leader  Surtur,  before  and  behind  whom  are  flames  and  burning 
fire.  Onward  they  ride  over  Bifrost,  the  rainbow  bridge, 
which  breaks  under  the  horses'  hoofs.  But  they,  disregarding 
its  fall,  direct  their  course  to  the  battle-field  called  Vigrid. 
Thither  also  repair  the  Avolf  Fenris,  the  Midgard  serpent,  Loki 
with  all  the  followers  of  Hela,  and  the  Frost  giants. 

Heimdall  now  stands  up  and  sounds  the  Giallar  horn  to 
assemble  the  gods  and  heroes  for  the  contest.  The  gods 
advance,  led  on  by  Odin,  who  engages  the  wolf  Fenris,  but 
falls  a  victim  to  the  monster,  who  is,  however,  slain  by  Vidar, 
Odin's  son.  Thor  gains  great  renown  by  killing  the  Midgard 
serpent,  but  recoils  and  falls  dead,  suffocated  with  the  venom 
which  the  dying  monster  vomits  over  him.  Loki  and  Heim- 
dall meet  and  fight  till  they  are  both  slain.  The  gods  and 
their  enemies  having  fallen  in  battle,  Surtur,  who  has  killed 
Freyr,  darts  fire  and  flames  over  the  Avorld,  and  the  whole  uni- 
verse is  burned  up.  The  sun  becomes  dim,  the  earth  sinks  into 
the  ocean,  the  stars  fall  from  heaven,  and  time  is  no  more. 

After  this  Alfadur  (the  Almigiity)  will  cause  a  new  heaven 
and  a  new  earth  to  arise  out  of  the  sea.  The  new  earth,  filled 
with  abundant  supplies,  will  spontaneously  produce  its  fruits 
without  labor  or  care.  Wickedness  and  misery  will  no  more 
be  known,  but  the  gods  and  men  will  live  happily  together. 

Runic  Letters. 

One  cannot  travel  far  in  Denmark,  Norway,  or  Sweden, 
without  meeting  with  great  stones,  of  different  forms,  engraven 
with  characters  called  Runic,  which  appear  at  first  sight  very 
different  from  all  we  know.  The  letters  consist  almost  invari- 
ably of  straight  lines,  in  the  shape  of  little  sticks  either  singly 
or  put  together.     Such  sticks  were  in  early  times  used  by  the 


434  STORIES    OF    GODS    AXD    HEROES. 

northern  nations  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  future  events. 
The  sticks  were  shaken  up,  and  from  the  figures  that  tliey 
formed  a  kind  of  divination  was  derived. 

The  Runic  cliaracters  were  of  various  kinds.  They  were  chiefly 
used  for  magical  purposes.  The  noxious,  or,  as  they  called  them, 
the  bittei'  runes,  were  employed  to  bring  various  evils  on  their 
enemies ;  the  favorable  averted  misfortune.  Some  were  medi- 
cinal, others  employed  to  Avin  love,  etc.  In  later  times  they  were 
frequently  used  for  inscriptions,  of  which  more  than  a  thousand 
have  been  found.  The  language  is  a  dialect  of  the  Gothic,  called 
Norse,  still  in  use  in  Iceland.  The  inscriptions  may  therefore 
be  read  with  certainty,  but  hitherto  very  few  have  been  found 
which  throw  the  least  light  on  history.  They  are  mostly  epi- 
taphs on  tombstones. 

Gray's  ode  on  the  Descent  of  Odin  contains  an  allusion  to  the 
use  of  Runic  letters  for  incantation  :  — 

"  Facing  to  the  northern  clime, 
Thrice  he  traced  the  Runic  rhyme ; 
Thrice  pronounced,  in  accents  dread, 
The  tlirilling  verse  that  wakes  the  dead, 
Till  from  out  the  hollow  ground 
Slowly  breathed  a  sullen  sound." 


The  Skalds. 

The  Skalds  were  the  bards  and  poets  of  the  nation,  a  very 
important  class  of  men  in  all  communities  in'  an  early  stage  of 
civilization.  They  are  the  depositaries  of  whatever  historic 
lore  there  is,  and  it  is  their  office  to  mingle  something  of  intel- 
lectual gratification  with  the  rude  feasts  of  the  warriors,  by  re- 
hearsing, with  such  accompaniments  of  poetry  and  music  as 
their  skill  can  afford,  the  exploits  of  their  heroes  living  or  dead. 
The  compositions  of  the  Skalds  were  called  Sagas,  many  of 
which  have  come  down  to  us,  and  contain  valuable  materials  of 
liistory,  and  a  faithful  picture  of  the  state  of  society  at  the  time 
to  which  they  relate. 


THE    EDDAS    AND    SAGAS.  435 


Iceland. 

The  Eddas  and  Sagas  have  come  to  us  from  Iceland.  The 
following  extract  from  Carlyle's  Lectures  on  Heroes  and  Hero 
Worship  gives  an  animated  account  of  the  region  where  the 
strange  stories  we  have  been  reading  had  their  origin.  Let  the 
reader  contrast  it  for  a  moment  with  Greece,  the  joarent  of 
classical  mythology. 

"In  that  strange  island,  Iceland,  —  burst  up,  the  geologists 
say,  by  fire  from  the  bottom  of  the  sea,  a  wild  land  of  barren- 
ness and  lava,  swallowed  many  months  of  every  year  in  black 
tempests,  yet  with  a  wild,  gleaming  beauty  in  summer  time, 
towering  up  there  stern  and  grim  in  the  North  Ocean,  with  its 
snow  yokuls  [mountains],  roaring  geysers  [boiling  springs], 
sulphur  pools,  and  horrid  volcanic  chasms,  like  the  w^aste, 
chaotic  battle-field  of  Frost  and  Fire,  —  where,  of  all  places,  we 
least  looked  for  literature  or  wa-itten  memorials, — the  record 
of  these  things  was  written  down.  On  the  seaboard  of  this 
wild  land  is  a  rim  of  grassy  country,  where  cattle  can  subsist, 
and  men  by  means  of  them  and  of  what  the  sea  yields ;  and  it 
seems  they  were  poetic  men  these,  men  who  had  deep  thoughts 
in  them  and  uttered  musically  their  thoughts.  Much  would  be 
lost  had  Iceland  not  been  burst  up  from  the  sea,  not  been  dis- 
covered by  the  Northmen  ! " 


CHAPTEE    XXXIV. 


THE  DRUIDS.— lONA. 


THE  Druids  were  the  priests  or  ministers  of  religion  among 
the  ancient  Celtic  nations  in  Gaul,  Britain,  and  Germany. 
Our  information  respecting  them  is  borrowed  from  notices  in 
the  Greek  and  Roman  writers,  compared  with  the  remains  of 
Welsh  and  Gaelic  poetry  still  extant. 

The  Druids  combined  the  functions  of  the  priest,  the  magis- 
trate, the  scholar,  and  the  i^hysician.  They  stood  to  the  people 
of  the  Celtic  tribes  in  a  relation  closely  analogous  to  that  in 
which  the  Brahmans  of  India,  the  Magi  of  Persia,  and  the 
priests  of  the  Egyptians  stood  to  the  people  respectively  by 
whom  they  were  revered. 

The  Druids  taught  the  existence  of  one  God,  to  whom  they 
gave  a  name  "  Be'  al,"  wdiich  Celtic  antiquaries  tell  us  means 
"  the  life  of  every  thing,"  or  "  the  source  of  all  beings,"  and 
which  seems  to  have  affinity  w^ith  the  Phoenician  Baal.  What 
renders  this  affinity  more  striking  is  that  the  Druids  as  well  as 

(436) 


THE    DRUIDS.  437 

the  Phoenicians  identified  this,  tlieir  supreme  deity,  with  the 
/Sun.  Fire  was  regarded  as  a  symbol  of  the  divinity.  The 
Latin  writers  assert  that  the  Druids  also  worshipped  numerous 
inferior  Gods. 

They  used  no  images  to  represent  the  object  of  their  worship, 
nor  did  they  meet  in  temples  or  buildings  of  any  kind  for  the 
performance  of  their  sacred  rites.  A  circle  of  stones  (each 
stone  generally  of  vast  size)  enclosing  an  area  of  from  twenty 
feet  to  thirty  yards  in  diameter,  constituted  their  sacred  place. 
The  most  celebrated  of  these  now  remaining  is  Stouehenge,  on 
Salisbury  Plain,  England. 

These  sacred  circles  were  generally  situated  near  some  stream, 
or  under  the  shadow  of  a  grove  or  wide-spreading  oak.  In  the 
centre  of  the  circle  stood  the  Cromlech  or  altar,  which  was  a 
large  stone,  placed  in  the  manner  of  a  table  i;pon  other  stones 
set  up  on  end.  The  Druids  had  also  their  high  places,  which 
were  large  stones  or  piles  of  stones  on  the  summits  of  hills. 
These  were  called  Cairns,  and  were  used  in  the  worship  of  the 
deity  under  the  symbol  of  the  sun. 

That  the  Druids  offered  sacrifices  to  their  deity  there  can  be 
no  doubt.  But  there  is  some  uncertainty  as  to  what  they 
offered,  and  of  the  ceremonies  connected  with  their  religious 
services  we  know  almost  nothing.  The  classical  (Roman) 
writers  affirm  that  they  offered  on  great  occasions  hixman 
sacrifices ;  as  for  success  in  war  or  for  relief  from  dangerous 
diseases.  Caesar  has  given  a  detailed  account  of  the  manner  in 
which  this  was  done.  "  They  have  images  of  immense  size,  the 
limbs  of  which  are  framed  with  twisted  tw^igs  and  filled  with 
living  persons.  These  being  set  on  fire,  those  within  are  en- 
compassed by  the  flames."  Many  attempts  have  been  made  by 
Celtic  writers  to  shake  the  testimony  of  the  Roman  historians 
to  this  fact,  but  without  success. 

The  Druids  observed  two  festivals  in  each  year.  The  former 
took  place  in  the  beginning  of  May,  and  was  called  Beltane  or 
"  fire  of  God."  On  this  occasion  a  large  fire  was  kindled  on 
some  elevated  spot,  in  honor  of  the  sun,  whose  returning  benef- 
icence they  thus  welcomed  after  the  gloom  and  desolation  of 
winter.     Of  this  custom  a  trace  remains  in  the  name  given  to 


438  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND   HEROES. 

Whitsunday  in  parts  of  Scotland  to  this  day.     Sir  Walter  Scott 
uses  the  word  in  the  Boat  Song  in  the  Lady  of  the  Lake :  — 

"  Ours  is  no  sapling:,  chance-sown  by  the  fountain, 
Blooming  at  Beltane  in  winter  to  fade." 

The  other  great  festival  of  the  Druids  was  called  "  Samh'  in," 
or  "  fire  of  peace,"  and  was  held  on  Hallow-eve  (first  of  Novem- 
ber), which  still  retains  this  designation  in  the  Highlands  of 
Scotland.  On  this  occasion  the  Druids  assembled  in  solemn 
conclave,  in  the  most  central  part  of  the  district,  to  discharge  the 
judicial  functions  of  their  order.  All  questions,  whether  public  or 
private,  all  crimes  against  jjerson  or  property,  were  at  this  time 
brought  before  them  for  adjudication.  With  these  judicial 
acts  were  combined  certain  superstitious  usages,  especially  the 
kindling  of  the  sacred  fire,  from  which  all  the  fires  in  the  dis- 
trict which  had  been  beforehand  scrupulously  extinguished, 
might  be  relighted.  This  usage  of  kindling  fires  on  Hallow-eve 
lingered  in  the  British  Islands  long  after  the  establishment  of 
Christianity. 

Besides  these  two  great  annual  festivals,  the  Druids  were  in 
the  habit  of  observing  the  full  moon,  and  especially  the  sixth 
day  of  the  moon.  On  the  latter  they  sought  the  mistletoe, 
which  grew  on  their  favorite  oaks,  and  to  Avhich,  as  well  as  to 
the  oak  itself,  they  ascribed  a  peculiar  virtue  and  sacredness. 
The  discovery  of  it  was  an  occasion  of  rejoicing  and  solemn 
worship.  "  They  call  it,"  says  Pliny,  "  by  a  Avord  in  their 
language  which  means  'heal-all,'  and  having  made  solemn  prep- 
aration for  feasting  and  sacrifice  under  the  tree,  they  drive 
thither  two  milk-white  bulls,  Avhose  horns  are  then  for  the  first 
time  bound.  The  priest  then,  robed  in  white,  ascends  the  tree, 
and  cuts  off  the  mistletoe  with  a  golden  sickle.  It  is  caught  in 
a  white  mantle,  after  which  they  proceed  to  slay  the  victims, 
at  the  same  time  praying  that  God  would  render  his  gift  pros- 
perous to  those  to  whom  he  had  given  it.  They  drink  the 
water  in  which  it  has  been  infused,  and  think  it  a  remedy  for  all 
diseases.  The  mistletoe  is  a  parasitic  plant,  and  is  not  always 
nor  often  found  on  the  oak,  so  that  when  it  is  found  it  is  the 
more  precious." 


THE    DKUIES.  439 

The  Druids  were  the  teachers  of  morality  as  well  as  of 
religion.  Of  their  ethical  teaching  a  valuable  specimen  is 
j)reserved  in  the  Triads  of  the  Welsh  Bards,  and  from  this  wo 
may  gather  that  their  views  of  moral  rectitude  were  on  the 
whole  just,  and  that  they  held  and  inculcated  many  very  noble 
and  valuable  principles  of  conduct.  They  were  also  the  men 
of  science  and  learning  of  their  age  and  people.  Whether 
they  were  acqixainted  with  letters  or  not  has  been  dispiated, 
though  the  probability  is  strong  that  they  were,  to  some  extent. 
But  it  is  certain  that  they  committed  nothing  of  their  doctrine, 
their  history,  or  their  poetry  to  writing.  Their  teaching  was 
oral,  and  their  literature  (if  such  a  word  may  be  used  in  such 
a  case)  was  preserved  solely  by  tradition.  But  the  Roman 
writers  admit  that  "they  paid  much  attention  to  the  order  and 
laws  of  nature,  and  investigated  and  taught  to  the  youth  under 
their  charge  many  things  concerning  the  stars  and  their  motions, 
the  size  of  the  world  and  the  lands,  and  concerning  the  might" 
and  power  of  the  immortal  gods." 

Their  history  consisted  in  traditional  tales,  in  which  the 
heroic  deeds  of  their  forefathers  were  celebrated.  These  were 
apparently  in  verse,  and  thus  constituted  part  of  the  poetry  as 
well  as  the  history  of  the  Druids.  In  the  poems  of  Ossian  we 
have,  if  not  the  actual  productions  of  Druidical  times,  Avhat 
may  be  considered  faithful  representations  of  the  songs  of  the 
Bards. 

The  Bards  were  an  essential  part  of  the  Druidical  hierarchy. 
One  author.  Pennant,  says,  "  The  bards  were  supposed  to  be 
endowed  with  powers  equal  to  inspiration.  They  were  the 
oral  historians  of  all  past  transactions,  public  and  private.  They 
were  also  accomplished  genealogists." 

Pennant  gives  a  minute  account  of  the  Eisteddfods  or 
sessions  of  the  bards  and  minstrels,  which  were  held'  in  Wales 
for  many  centuries,  long  after  the  Druidical  priesthood  in  its 
other  departments  became  extinct.  At  these  meetings  none 
but  bards  of  merit  were  suffered  to  rehearse  their  pieces,  and 
minstrels  of  skill  to  perform.  Judges  were  appointed  to  decide 
on  their  respective  abilities,  and  suitable  degrees  Avere  con- 
ferred.   In  the  earlier  period  the  judges  were  ajiiwintcd  by  the 


440  STQRIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Welsh  princes,  and  after  the  conquest  of  Wales,  by  commission 
from  the  kings  of  England.  Yet  the  tradition  is  that  Edward 
I.,  in  revenge  for  the  influence  of  the  bards,  in  animating  the 
resistance  of  the  people  to  his  sway,  persecuted  them  with 
great  cruelty.  This  tradition  has  furnished  the  poet  Gray  with 
the  subject  of  his  celebrated  ode,  the  Bard. 

There  are  still  occasional  meetings  of  the  lovers  of  Welsh 
poetry  and  music,  held  under  the  ancient  name.  Among  Mrs. 
Hemans's  poems  is  one  Avritten  for  an  Eisteddfod,  or  meeting 
of  Welsh  Bards,  held  in  London  May  22,  1822.  It  begins  with 
a  description  of  the  ancient  meeting,  of  which  the  following 
lines  are  a  part :  — 

" midst  the  eternal  cliffs,  whose  strength  defied 

The  crested  Roman  in  his  hour  of  pride  ; 

And  where  the  Druid's  ancient  cromlech  frowned, 

And  the  oaks  breathed  mj-sterious  murmurs  round. 

There  thronged  the  inspired  of  yore  !  on  plain  or  height, 

In  the  sun's  face,  beneath  the  eye  of  light, 

And  baring  unto  heaven  each  noble  head, 

Stood  in  the  circle,  where  none  else  might  tread.  " 

The  Druidical  system  was  at  its  height  at  the  time  of  the 
Roman  invasion  under  Julius  Ca?sar.  Against  the  Druids,  as 
their  chief  enemies,  these  conquerors  of  the  world  directed 
their  unsparing  fury.  The  Druids,  harassed  at  all  points  on 
the  main-land,  retreated  to  Anglesey  and  lona,  where  for  a 
season  they  found  shelter,  and  continued  their  now-dishonored 
rites. 

The  Druids  retained  their  predominance  in  lona  and  over 
the  adjacent  islands  and  main-land  until  they  were  supplanted 
and  their  superstitions  overturned  by  the  arrival  of  St.  Colum- 
ba,  the  apostle  of  the  Highlands,  by  whom  the  inhabitants  of 
that  district  were  first  led  to  profess  Christianity. 


loXA. 

One  of  the  smallest  of  the  British  Isles,  situated  near  a 
rugged  and  barren  coast,  surrounded  by  dangerous  seas,  and 
possessing  no  sources  of  internal  wealth,  lona  has  obtained  an 


ION  A.  441 

imperishable  place  in  history  as  the  seat  of  civilization  and 
religion  at  a  time  when  the  darkness  of  heathenism  hung  over 
almost  the  whole  of  Northern  Europe.  lona  or  Icolmkill  is 
situated  at  the  extremity  of  the  island  of  Mull,  from  Avhich  it 
is  separated  by  a  strait  of  half  a  mile  in  breadth,  its  distance 
from  the  main-land  of  Scotland  being  thirty-six  miles. 

Columba  Avas  a  native  of  Ireland,  and  connected  by  birth 
Avith  the  princes  of  the  land.  Ireland  was  at  that  time  a  land 
of  gospel  light,  Avhile  the  western  and  northern  parts  of  Scot- 
land were  still  immersed  in  the  darkness  of  heathenism.  Co- 
lumba, Avith  twelve  friends  landed  on  the  island  of  lona  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  563,  having  made  the  passage  in  a  wicker 
boat  covered  with  hides.  The  Druids  Avho  occupied  the  island 
endeavored  to  prevent  his  settling  there,  and  the  savage  nations 
on  the  adjoining  shores  incommoded  him  Avith  their  hostility, 
and  on  several  occasions  endangered  his  life  by  their  attacks. 
Yet  by  his  perseverance  and  zeal  he  surmounted  all  opposition, 
])rocured  from  the  king  a  gift  of  the  island,  and  established 
there  a  monastery  of  which  he  Avas  the  abbot.  He  was  un- 
Avearied  in  his  labors  to  disseminate  a  knowledge  of  the  Scrip- 
tures throughout  the  Highlands  and  Islands  of  Scotland,  and 
such  was  the  reverence  paid  him  that  though  not  a  bishop,  but 
merely  a  presbyter  and  monk,  the  entire  province  Avith  its 
bishops  Avas  subject  to  him  and  his  successors.  The  Pictish 
monarch  was  so  impressed  Avith  a  sense  of  his  Avisdom  and 
Avorth  that  he  held  him  in  the  highest  honor,  and  the  neighbor- 
ing chiefs  and  princes  sought  his  counsel  and  availed  themselves 
of  his  judgment  in  settling  their  disputes. 

When  Columba  landed  on  lona  he  was  attended  by  twelve 
folloAvers  Avhom  he  had  formed  into  a  religious  body,  of  Avhich 
he  Avas  the  head.  To  these,  as  occasion  required,  others  were 
from  time  to  time  added,  so  that  the  original  number  was 
ahvays  kept  up.  Their  institution  was  called  a  monastery,  and 
the  superior  an  abbot,  but  the  system  had  little  in  common 
Avith  the  monastic  institutions  of  later  times.  The  name  by 
which  those  Avho  submitted  to  the  rule  were  knoAvn  Avas  that 
of  Culdees,  probably  from  the  Latin  "cultores  Dei"  —  Avor- 
shipi^ers  of  God.     They  were  a  body  of  religious  persons  asso- 


442  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

ciated  together  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  each  other  in  the 
common  work  of  preaching  the  gospel  and  teaching  youth,  as 
well  as  maintaining  in  themselves  the  fervor  of  devotion  by 
united  exercises  of  worship.  On  entering  the  order  certain 
vows  were  taken  by  the  members,  but  they  were  not  those 
which  were  usually  imposed  by  monastic  orders,  for  of  these, 
which  are  three,  celibacy,  poverty,  and  obedience,  the  Culdees 
were  bound  to  none  except  the  third.  To  povei'ty  they  did 
not  bind  themselves ;  on  the  contrary  they  seem  to  have  labored 
diligently  to  procure  for  themselves  and  those  dependent  on 
them  the  comforts  of  life.  Marriage  also  was  allowed  them, 
and  most  of  them  seem  to  have  entered  into  that  state.  True, 
their  wives  were  not  permitted  to  reside  Avith  them  at  the  in- 
stitution, but  they  had  a  residence  assigned  to  them  in  an 
adjacent  locality.  Near  lona  there  is  an  island  which  still 
bears  the  name  of  "Eilen  nam  ban,"  women's  island,  wliere 
their  husbands  seem  to  have  resided  with  them,  except  when 
duty  required  their  presence  in  the  school  or  the  sanctuary. 

Campbell,  in  his  poem  of  Reullura,  alludes  to  the  married 
monks  of  lona  :  — 

" The  pure  Culdees 

Were  Albyn's  earliest  priests  of  God, 
Ere  yet  an  island  of  her  seas 

By  foot  of  Saxon  monk  was  trod, 
Long  ere  her  churchmen  by  bigotry 
Were  barred  from  holy  wedlock's  tie. 
'Twas  then  that  Aodh,  famed  afar. 

In  lona  preached  the  word  with  power. 
And  Reullura,  beauty's  star, 

Was  the  partner  of  his  bower." 

In  one  of  his  Irish  Melodies,  Moore  gives  the  legend  of  St. 
Senanus  and  the  lady  Avho  sought  shelter  on  the  island,  but 
was  repulsed :  — 

"  Oh,  haste  and  leave  this  sacred  isle. 
Unholy  bark,  ere  morning  smile ; 
For  on  thy  deck,  though  dark  it  be, 

A  female  form  I  see ; 
And  I  have  sworn  this  sainted  sod 
Shall  ne'er  by  woman's  foot  be  trod." 


lONA.  443 

In  these  respects  and  in  others  the  Culdees  departed  from 
the  established  rules  of  the  Romish  Church,  and  consequently 
were  deemed  heretical.  The  consequence  was  that  as  the 
power  of  the  latter  advanced,  that  of  the  Culdees  was  enfeebled. 
It  was  not,  however,  till  the  thirteenth  century  that  the  com- 
munities of  the  Culdees  were  svippressed  and  the  members 
dispersed.  They  still  continued  to  labor  as  individuals,  and 
resisted  the  inroads  of  Papal  usurpation  as  they  best  might  till 
the  light  of  the  Reformation  daAvned  on  the  world. 

lona,  from  its  position  in  the  western  seas,  was  exposed  to 
the  assaults  of  the  Norwegian  and  Danish  rovers  by  whom 
those  seas  were  infested,  and  by  them  it  was  repeatedly 
pillaged,  its  dwellings  burned,  and  its  peaceful  inhabitants  put 
to  the  sword.  These  unfavorable  circumstances  led  to  its 
gradual  decline,  which  was  expedited  by  the  subversion  of  the 
Culdees  throughout  Scotland.  Under  the  reign  of  Popery  the 
island  became  the  seat  of  a  nunnery,  the  ruins  of  which  arc 
still  seen.  At  the  Reformation,  the  nuns  were  allowed  to 
remain,  living  in  community,  when  the  abbey  was  dismantled. 

lona  is  now  chiefly  resorted  to  by  travellers  on  account  of 
the  numerous  ecclesiastical  and  sepulchral  remains  which  are 
found  upon  it.  The  principal  of  these  are  the  Cathedral  or 
Abbey  Church,  and  the  Chapel  of  the  Nunnery.  Besides  these 
remains  of  ecclesiastical  antiquity,  there  are  some  of  an  earlier 
date,  and  pointing  to  the  existence  on  the  island  of  forms  of 
worship  and  belief  different  from  those  of  Christianity.  These 
are  the  circular  Cairns  Avhich  are  found  in  various  parts,  and 
which  seem  to  have  been  of  Druidical  origin.  It  is  in  reference 
to  all  these  remains  of  ancient  religion  that  Johnson  exclaims, 
"  That  man  is  little  to  be  envied  whose  patriotism  would  ncrt. 
gain  force  upon  the  plains  of  Marathon,  or  whose  piety  Avould 
not  grow  warmer  amid  the  ruins  of  lona." 

In  the  Lord  of  the  Isles,  Scott  beautifully  contrasts  the 
church  on  lona  with  the  Cave  of  Staffa,  opposite  :  — 

"  Nature  herself,  it  seemed,  would  raise 
A  minster  to  her  Maker's  praise  ! 
Not  for  a  meaner  use  ascend 
Her  columns,  or  her  arches  beud ; 


444  STORIES    OF    GODS    AND    HEROES. 

Nor  of  a  theme  less  solemn  tells 

The  might}'  sui'ge  that  ebbs  and  swells, 

And  still  between  each  awful  pause, 

From  the  high  vault  an  answer  draws, 

In  varied  tone,  prolonged  and  high. 

That  mocks  the  organ's  melodj' ; 

Nor  doth  its  entrance  front  in  vain 

To  old  lona's  holy  fane. 

That  Nature's  voice  might  seem  to  say, 

Well  hast  thou  done,  frail  child  of  clay. 

Thy  humble  powers  that  stately  shrine 

Tasked  high  and  hard  —  but  witness  mine. 


PROVERBIAL    EXPRESSI0:N^S. 


No.  1.— Page  50. 
Materiem  superabat  opus. —  Ovid. 
The  workmanship  surpassed  the  material. 

Ko.  2.—  Page  50. 
Facies  iion  omnibus  una, 
Nee  diversa  tamen,  qualem  decet  esse  sororum. — Ovid. 

Their  faces  were  not  all  alike,  nor  yet  imlike,  but  such  as  those  of  sis- 
ters ought  to  be. 

No.  3.—  Page  53. 
Medio  tutissimus  ibis. —  Ovid. 
You  will  go  most  safely  in  the  middle. 

No.  4.—  Page  56. 
Hie  situs  est  Phaeton,  currus  auriga  paterni, 
Quem  si  non  tenuit,  magnis  tamen  excidit  ausis. —  Ovid. 

Here  lies  Phaeton,  the  driver  of  his  father's  chariot,  which  if  he  failed 
to  manage,  yet  he  fell  in  a  great  undertaking. 

No.  5.— Page  150. 
Imponere  Pelio  Ossam. —  Virgil. 
To  ijile  Ossa  upon  Pelion. 

No.  6.—  Page  280. 
Timeo  Danaos  et  dona  ferentes. —  Virrjil. 
I  fear  the  Greeks  even  when  they  offer  gifts. 

No.  7.— Page  282. 
Non  tali  auxilio  nee  defensoribus  istis 
Tempus  eget. —  Virrjil. 

Not  such  aid  nor  such  defenders  does  the  time  require. 

(445) 


446  PROVEEBIAL    EXPRESSIONS. 

No.  8.—  Page  299. 
Incidit  in  Scyllam,  cupieus  vitare  Charybdim. 
He  rims  on  Scylla,  wishing  to  avoid  Cliarybdis. 

Ko.  9.—  Page    317. 
Monstrum  horrendum,  informe,  ingens,  cui  lumen  ademptum. —  Virgil. 
A  liorrible  monster,  missliapen,  vast,  whose  only  eye  had  been  put  out. 

Xo.  10.— Page. ^IT. 
Tantajne  animis  cct'lestibus  iroB  ? —  Viryil. 
In  lieavenly  miiids  can  such  resentments  dwell  ? 

No.  11.—  Page  319. 
Hand  ignara  mali,  niiseris  succurrere  disco. —  Virgil. 

Not  unacquainted  with  distress,  I  have  learned  to  succor  the  unfortu- 
nate. 

No.  12.—  Page  319. 

Tros,  Tyriusve  milii  nullo  discrimine  agetur. —  Virgil. 

Whether  Trojan  or  Tyriaii  shall  make  no  difference  to  me. 

No.  13.— Page  321. 

Facilis  descensus  Averni ; 
Noctes  atque  dies  patet  atri  janua  Ditis ; 
Sed  revocare  gradum,  superasque  evadere  ad  auras, 
Hoc  opus,  hie  labor  est. —  Virgil. 

The  descent  of  Avernus  is  easy ;  the  gate  of  Pluto  stands  open  night 
and  day;  but  to  retrace  one's  steps  and  return  to  the  upper  air, —  that 
is  the  toil,  that  the  difficulty. 

No.  14.—  Page  321. 
Tu  ne  cede  mails,  sed  contra  audentior  ito. —  Virgil.  , 

Yield  thou  not  to  adversity,  but  press  on  the  more  bravely. 

No.  15.— Page  322. 
IJno  avulso  non  deficit  alter. —  Virgil. 
When  one  is  torn  away  another  succeeds. 


TROVERBIAL    EXPRESSIONS.  447 

Xo.  IG.—  Page  340. 
Quadrupedante  putrein  souitu  quatit  ungula  campum. — Virgil. 

Then  struck  the  hoofs  of  the  steeds  on  the  ground  with  a  four-footed 
tramphng. 

No.  17.— Page  344. 

Stemitur  infelix  alieno  vulnere,  coelumque 

Adspicit  et  moriens  dulces  reminiscitur  Argos. —  V'wyil. 

lie  falls,  unhappy,  by  a  wound  intended  for  another;  looks  up  to  the 
skies,  and  dying  remembers  sweet  Argos. 


IJS^DEX    TO    POETS 


QUOTED   IN    THIS    VOLUME. 


PAGE 

1.  Addison, 374 

2.  ^schylus, 24 

3.  Armstroiifr, 30,  148,  212 

4.  Arnold,  Edwin, »  .     .     .     .        403 

5.  Arnold,  Matthew, 410,  430 

6.  Browning,  Mrs.  E.  B., 205 

7.  Bulfinch,  Rev.  S.  G.,       76,  126,  181 

8.  Bulwer 283,  285,  312 

9  jj^.,.Qjj                                      /  12,  30,  49,  89,  111,  128,  138,  174,  213,  242,  247, 

•'      ' {    251,282,288,289,301,354,367,374,393 

10.  Campbell, 167,442 

11.  Coleridge, xii.,  70 

12.  Cowper 122,233,268,300,307,310,367,373,378 

13.  Darwin, 192,  253 

14.  Dryden, 20, 60,  352,  378,  383 

15.  Dyer,    • 162,  284 

16.  Euripides, 167 

17.  Fletcher, 249 

18.  Francklin 224 

19.  Garrick, 134 

20.  Goldsmith 12 

21.  Gray, 12,  427,  434 

22.  Greek  Anthology 139 

23.  Hemans,  ..." 440 

24.  Ilervey, 106 

25.  Ileywood, 377 

26.  Homer,     ...........    5,8,268,275,300,307,308,310,378 

27.  Hood, 70,  123 

28.  Johnson, 320 

29.  Keats, 40,  73,  79,  83,  90,  106,  124,  249,  297 

30.  Landor, 57 

(449) 


450  INDEX    TO    POETS. 

31.  Long,  T.  D., 449 

32.  Longfellow,       , 196,  251,  353,  412 

33.  Lowell 42,  210,  221,  331,  353 

3i.    Lucan, 384 

35.  Macaulay, 17,  193 

36.  Mickle, 33 

37.  Milman, 57,  147 

[9,  11,  24,  42,  42,  43,  49,  69,  81,  83,  89,  105,  11, 
121,  122,  145,  147,  153,   156,   157,    178,    180, 

38.  Milton, 204,   206,    210,    212,    215,  129,  221,  234,  237, 

285,   288,    299,   331,    353,  363,  366,  369,  383, 
[       385,  405 

39  Moore                                    ^^'  ^^'  ^^'  ''°'  "^'  ^^'''  ^^'^'  ^^^'   ^'^^'  ^'^'  ^^^' 

' I     394,442. 

40.  IMoi-ris,  Lewis,        46,  188 

41.  Mon-is,  William, 77,81,139,222,315,410 

42.  Ovid,         20,  56,  380 

43.  Phillips, 95 

44.  Pope, 21,  162,  230,  268,  308,  337,  378 

45.  Potter, 24 

46.  Prior, 57 

47.  Procter, Title  page 

48.  Schiller.    .     .^ 76,  126,  181,  282,  285,  312 

49.  Scott, 320,438,441 

50.  Seward, 377 

51.  Shakespeare, 9,  33,  36,  154,  166,  351,  352 

52.  Shelley 30,  47,  183,  386 

53.  Sophocles, 224 

,54,     Southey, 230 

55.  Spenser, 13,  134,  202,  242 

56.  Swift, 63,  281 

57.  Swinhiirne, 194 

58.  Tennyson, 135,  183,  213,  235,  251,  259,  278,  291 

59.  Thomson, 95,  374 

60.  Tickell, 374 

61.  Waller, 30,318 

62.  Wordsworth, 204,  260,  370,  393 

63.  Young, 154,  215,  249,  333,  389 


INDEX  AND  DICTIONARY. 


In  revising  the  index  to  this  edition  it  has  proved  desirable  to  add  some  notes 
to  the  narratives  in  the  text  for  the  convenience  of  readers.  But  a  reference  to 
the  text  will  generally  meet  the  needs  of  those  for  whom  this  book  is  prepared. 
Such  readers  must  understand  that  the  ancients  had  no  fixed  authorities  in  such 
matters,  and  that  the  tradition  or  fancy  as  it  appears  in  one  author  may  differ 
widely-  from  the  form  represented  by  another. 


Absyrtus,  167. 

Aby'dos.  An  ancient  city  of  Asia 
Minor  on  the  Eastern  side  of  the 
strait  now  called  the  Dardanelles, 
then  known  as  Hellespont,  which 
parts  Asia  from  Europe.  It  was  the 
home  of  Leander.  Xerxes  afterwards 
crossed  the  strait  with  his  army  on  a 
bridge  of  boats  laid  here.     125. 

ACE'TES,  198. 

Achates,  310.  A  Trojan  hero,  —  the 
faithful  companion  of  iEneas  as  rep- 
resented by  Virgil  in  the  ^neid. 

"  Scarce  fled  the  stars  or  blushed 
The  dawn,  when  we  beheld  the  hazy 

line 
Of  distant  hills,  low-lying  Italy. 
Achates  first  cries  '  Italy ! '    The  men 
With  glad  huzza. greet  Italy." 

ACHELOUS.  A  river  god.  The  river 
which  bore  this  name  divided  ^^^tolia 
from  Acarnania.  It  has  its  source  in 
Mount  Pindus,  flows  through  the  set- 
tlements ai-ound  Dodona,  and  falls 
into  the  Ionian  Sea.  The  banks  of 
this  river  are  remembered  as  the  last 
region  of  Europe  where  wild  lions 
were  found.     217. 

Achilles,  257,  312. 

Acis,  253. 


Acox'teus,  146. 

ACT.EON,  43. 

Admeta,  176. 

Admetus,  220. 

Adonais,  43. 

Ado'nis.  The  story  of  Adonis  is  in  the 
text.  He  was  the  son  of  Cinyras  and 
Myrrha,  and  was  educated  by  the 
wood  nymphs.  The  story  is  supposed 
to  be  taken  from  the  Syrian  Myth- 
ology.   79. 

Adrastus,  222. 

^acus,  hi. 

^e'tes,  159. 

^ge'us,  184. 

^Gis,  162. 

jEgisthus,  258,  286. 

^NE'AS,  258,  314. 

iENE'AS  Sylvius.  The  third  in  the 
line  of  mythical  Alban  kings,  son  of 
Silvius  and  grandson  of  Ascanius. 
Ovid,  in  his  list  of  them,  does  not 
mention  him. 

^'OLUS,  294,  317. 

JSSCULAPIUS,  111. 

^SON,  158-163. 
Ethiopians,  3,  12, 66. 
JEiimA,  184. 
Agame'des,  111. 

(451) 


452 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONARY. 


Agamemnon,  286. 

Aga've,  200, 258. 

Age'nob.  a  son  of  Poseidon  and 
Libya,  twin  brother  of  Belus.  His 
wife  was  Taraphassa,  and  tliey  were 
parents  of  Cadmus,  Phoenix,  Ciliv, 
Thasus,  Phineus,  and  Enropa. 
When  Europa  was  carried  to  Crete 
by  Jupiter,  Agenor  sent  his  sons  to 
search  for  her,  bidding  them  not  re- 
turn without  lier.  As  she  was  not 
found,  they  all  settled  in  foreign 
countries.  In  this  story  the  settle- 
ment of  Europe  by  Eastern  i-aces  is 
suggested.  In  his  brother  Belus 
Agenor  is  connected  in  the  myth- 
ology with  the  Eastern  mythologies, 
in  many  of  which  Bel  or  Baal  ap- 
pears as  the  chief  divinity.    108. 

Aglai'a,  13, 

Agni,  395. 

Ahriman,  391. 

Ajax,  258. 

Alcestis,  220. 

Al'cides,  180. 

Alci'nous,  303. 

Alcm^on.  a  favorite  subject  for 
tragedies,  all  of  which  are  now  lost. 
He  was  son  of  Amphiaraus,  one  of  the 
leaders  against  Thebes  and  Eriphyle, 
and  killed  his  mother,  in  obedience 
to  an  oracle. 

Alcme'na,  175. 

Alecto,  14. 

Alexander,    See  Paris, 

Alfa'dur,  409. 

Alphe'us,  68. 

Althe'a,  167. 

Amalthe'a,  176,219. 

Amazons  (Greek  and  Latin  Amazones). 
A  warlike  race  of  women,  who  act  a 
prominent  part  in  the  Greek  mj'thol- 
ogy,  and  even  seem  to  have  a  place 
in  historj\  All  accounts  agree  that 
they  came  from  the  country  about  the 
Caucasus,  and  that  their  principal 
seats  were  on  the  river  Thermodon, 
which  flows  into  the  Black  Sea,  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  modern  Trebi- 


zond,  the  ancient  Trapezus.  Thence 
they  are  said  to  have  invaded  Thrace, 
Asia  Minor,  the  Islands  of  the  ^Egean, 
Greece,  Syria,  Arabia,  Egypt,  and 
Libya.  They  are  said  to  have  in- 
vaded Lycia  in  the  reign  of  lobates, 
but  to  have  been  destroyed  by  Bcller- 
ophon.  When  Priam  was  young, 
they  invaded  Phrygia.  The  ninth 
labor  of  Hercules  was  to  take  their 
queen's  girdle  from  her.  At  the  end 
of  the  Trojan  War,  they  came  to  the 
assistance  of  Troy,  but  their  queen 
was  killed  by  Achilles.  The  repre- 
sentation of  the  Amazons  occupied 
the  Greek  artists  extensively.  The 
invasion  of  Attica  by  the  Amazons 
occupied  Phidias's  genius,  on  the 
shield  of  Athene,  and  on  the  footstool 
of  Zeus.  The  "  Princess  of  Trebi- 
zond,"  a  modern  opera,  is  taken  from 
a  romance  of  the  middle  ages  of  the 
same  name.  But  the  reference  to 
Trebizond  in  that  case  was  probably 
borrowed  from  some  Crusader's  tale. 
There  was  supposed  to  be  another 
nation  of  Amazons  in  Africa;  and 
there  was  a  Scythian  nation  allied  to 
the  Asiatic  tribe  which  has  been  de- 
cribed.  The  Amazon  river,  in  South 
America,  takes  its  name  from  a  fable 
of  the  early  discoverers  who  reported 
that  there  was  a  tribe  of  Amazons  on 
that  river.  Orellana,  its  discoverer, 
declared  that  he  met  a  nation  of 
armed  women  on  its  banks.  The  old 
maps  have  a  large  region  called  Ama- 
zonia, watered  by  the  river.     187. 

Ambro'sia,  5. 

Ammon,  150. 

Amphiara'us,  223. 

Amphion,  137, 234. 

Amphitri'te,  210. 

Ampyx,  146. 

Amri'ta,  396. 

Amymo'ne,  176. 

.Anaxa'kete,  93. 

Ance'us,  169. 

Anchises,   son    of  Capys,   and  great 


INDEX    AXD    DICTIONARY. 


453 


grandson  of  Tros.  Venus,  captivated 
by  his  beauty,  appeared  to  him  on 
Mount  Ida  (according  to  some,  near 
the  River  Simois)  in  the  shape  of  a 
Phrygian  shepherdess,  and  bore  him 
^neas.  Ilis  son  carried  him  off  on 
his  shoulders  at  the  burning  of  Troy, 
and  made  him  the  companion  of  his 
voyage  to  Italy.  He  died,  during  the 
voyage,  at  Sicily.    314. 

Andr(emon,  78. 

Andromache,  daughter  of  Eetion,  king 
of  Thebes  in  Cilicia,  and  wife  of 
Hector.  After  the  conquest  of  Troy, 
she  became  the  prize  of  Pyrrhus,  son 
of  Achilles,  who  carried  her  to  Epirus, 
and  had  three  sons  by  her,  but  after- 
wards left  her  to  Helenus,  brother  of 
Hector,  to  whom  she  bore  a  son. 
Euripides  has  made  her  the  chief 
character  of  a  tragedy.    316. 

Andro'meda,  143. 

Anemo'ne,  80. 

Ant^'us,  178. 

Ante'a,  153. 

An'teros,  12. 

Anti'gone,  222. 

Anti'ope,  187,  234. 

Anu'bis,  359. 

Aphrodi'te,  6, 9. 

Apis,  362. 

Apollo,  11,  19,  28. 

Apomyius  (one  who  drives  away  flies), 
a  surname  of  Jupiter  at  Olympia. 
Hercules  was  offering  a  sacrifice,  and 
was  annoyed  by  hosts  of  flies.  To 
rid  himself  of  them,  he  offered  an  ad- 
ditional sacrifice  to  Zeus  Apomyius, 
on  which  the  flies  withdrew  across 
the  river  Alpheus. 

Apuleius,  106. 

Aquilo,  214. 

Araciine,  130. 

Arcas,  40. 

Areopagus,  the  oldest  and  the  most 
famous  of  the  Athenian  courts.  It 
took  its  name  from  its  place  of  meet- ' 
ing, — the  word  signifying  "the  hill 
of  Mars."  Aristides  called  the  Areop- 


agus the  most  sacred  tribunal  of 
Greece,  —  and  Demosthenes  said  that 
this  court  never  pronounced  a  sen- 
tence in  which  both  parties  did  not 
concur.  Other  states  of  Greece  some- 
times submitted  their  disputes  to  its 
decision.  Its  origin  was  hidden  in 
antiquity,  and  it  was  said  that  Mi- 
nerva referred  to  it  the  decision  of 
tlie  f\ite  of  Orestes.    287. 

Ares,  0, 11. 

ArethusA.  The  fountain  of  Arethusa 
rose  from  the  ground  in  Ortygia,  a 
section  of  the  city  of  Syracuse.  As 
the  Alpheus  river  seemed  to  sink  in 
the  ground  in  one  place,  in  Arcadia, 
the  flow  of  the  Arethusa  was  ascribed 
to  its  reappearance.  The  name  of 
Arethusa  has  been  given  to  one  of 
the  most  beautiful  of  American  wild 
flowers.    68. 

Argonauts,  185. 

Argo.  Many  difi"erent  statements  are 
made  of  the  route  by  which  the  Argo 
returned  to  Greece.  Phineus  had 
advised  the  Argonauts  to  return  by 
another  way  than  that  which  they 
took  in  their  outward  voyage.  One 
writer  says,  "  They  now  sailed  up  the 
Danube,  and  carried  the  lightly-built 
Argo  many  miles  over  mountains  and 
valleys  to  the  Adriatic  Sea."  In  Mr. 
William  Morris's  poem  they  ran  up 
the  river  till  it  issues  from  a  moun- 
tain-cave. Through  this  cave  they 
pass  for  three  days  of  darkness. 
When  the  river  becomes  too  small  to 
navigate,  they  build  a  "  stage  "  with 
wheels,  on  which  they  take  the  ship  to 

"  The  river  running  to  the  northern 
sea," 

when  they  launch  her  again,  and,  by 
the  Straits  of  Hercules,  return  to  the 
Mediterranean.    161. 

Argus,  159. 

Ariadne,  186,201. 

Arima'nes,  391. 

Arimaspians,  157. 

Ari  on,  238. 


454 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONARY. 


Arist.^us,  227,  230. 
Ar'temis,  8. 
Aryans,  1. 

ASGARD,  407. 
AsKE,  407. 
ASTRvEA,  21. 

astyages,  146. 

Atalanta,  167. 

Ate,  270. 

Atlantis.  The  most  distinct  account 
of  the  island  of  Atlantis,  in  the  west- 
ern ocean,  is  in  the  Timans  of  Plato. 
It  is  also  dcsciibed  in  Seneca,  and 
alluded  to  by  many  ancient  authors. 
As  the  ancient  writers  spoke  of  it  as 
much  nearer  to  Europe  than  America 
is,  it  is  often  spoken  of  as  if  it  had 
sunk  since  it  was  discovered  by  the 
ancients.  It  gives  its  name  to  the 
Atlantic  ocean.    330. 

Atha'mas,  158. 

Athene,  12,  333. 

Atlas.  The  Atlas  range  extends  over 
a  large  part  of  Northern  Africa.  The 
Greater  Atlas  runs  through  the  king- 
dom of  Morocco  as  far  south  as  Sa- 
hara, and  is  more  than  eleven  thou- 
sand feet  high.  The  Lesser  Atlas  ex- 
tends from  Morocco  towards  the 
northeast  to  the  northern  coast. 
From  the  height  of  these  ranges,  the 
most  lofty  known  to  the  Greeks, 
comes  the  fable  that  the  Titan,  Atlas, 
supports  the  heavens.  The  Titan 
Avas  a  son  of  lapetus  and  Clymene. 
He  was  endowed  with  great  wisdom, 
and,  in  the  later  authors,  is  supposed 
to  have  great  knowledge  of  astron- 
omy. The  Pleiades  are  the  daughters 
of  Atlas;  and  are  sometimes  called 
Atlantides,  a  word  which  has  that 
meaning.  The  word  Atlas,  in  anat- 
omy, is  derived  from  the  Greek  fable. 
It  is  the  name  of  the  first  vertebra  of 
the  neck  which  supports  the  head. 
141. 

At'ropos,  14. 

Audhcm'bla,  406. 

Au'geas,  178. 


Aulis,  2.58. 

Auro'ra,  31,  251. 

AUSTER,  214. 

Av'atar,  396. 

Bacchanals,  197. 

Bacchus,  13,  195. 

Bac'trian  sage  —  Zoroaster. 

Baldur,  427. 

Bards,  439. 

Basilisk,  383. 

Battus,  a  shepherd  of  Neleus,  ^who 
saw  Hermes  driving  away  the  cattle 
he  had  stolen  from  Apollo.  The  god 
promised  to  reward  him  if  he  would 
not  betray  what  he  had  seen,  Battus 
promised  on  oath  to  keep  the  secret ; 
but  as  Hermes  mistrusted  him  never- 
theless, he  assumed  a  different  ap- 
pearance, returned  to  B.attus,  and 
promised  him  a  handsome  present,  if 
he  would  tell  him  who  had  stolen  the 
cattle  of  Apollo.  The  shepherd  was 
tempted,  and  related  all  he  knew, 
whereupon  Hermes  touched  him 
with  his  staff,  and  changed  him  into 
stone. 

Baucis,  61. 

Beller'ophon,  152. 

Bello'na,  16. 

Beltane,  438. 

Belus,  twin  brother  of  Agenor  and  son 
of  Poseidon  and  Libya,  fjvthcr  of 
JEgyptus  and  Danaus.  These  names 
are  geographical ;  and  the  name  Belus 
is  probably  taken  from  some  vague 
notion  which  the  Greeks  had  of  Bel 
or  Baal  of  the  heathen  mythology  of 
Asia.  Cf.  Isaiah  xlvi.  1.  This  name 
appears  in  Babel,  Belshazzar,  etc. 

Ber'oe,  195. 

BiFROST,  408. 

Bo'reas,  214. 

bosphorus,  40. 

Bragi,  411. 

Brahma,  394. 

Brazen  Age,  4. 

Bria'reus,  190. 

Bride  of  Abydos,  89. 

Brise'is,  262. 


INDEX    AND    DICTIOXARY. 


455 


Brutus.     Quite  a  different  person  from 
any  historical  Brutus  known  to  read- 
ers of  Roman  history,  is  the  mythical 
Brutus  of  the  old  English  chroniclers. 
To  fit  the  name  Britain  they  invented 
a  Brutus,  who  was  the  grandson  of  | 
Ascauius  in   Italy.     At  ihc   age   of    i 
fifteen  Brutus  accidentally  killed  his  | 
father    in    hunting.       He    ficcs    his  ' 
country,  and  after  many  adventures 
arrives    in    Albion,  then     inhabited 
"  by  none   but   a   few  giants."      lie 
colonizes  xVlbion,  and  to  him  it  owes 
its  name. 

Buddha,  400. 

BuTO,  an  Egyptian  divinity,  whom 
the  Greeks  identified  with  their  Lcto, 
and  who  was  worshipped  principally 
in  the  town  of  Buto,  which  derived 
its  name  from  her.  Festivals  were 
celebi-ated  there  in  her  honor,  and 
there  she  had  also  an  oracle  which 
was  in  high  esteem  among  the  Egyp- 
tians. According  to  Herodotus,  she 
belonged  to  the  eight  great  divinities. 
As  regards  the  nature  and  character 
of  Buto,  tlie  ancients,  in  identifying 
her  with  Leto,  transferred  their 
notions  of  the  latter  to  the  former, 
and  Buto  was  accordingly  considered 
by  Greeks  as  the  goddess  of  night. 
This  opinion  seemed  to  be  confirmed 
by  the  peculiar  animals  which  were 
sacred  to  Buto,  viz.,  the  field-mouse 
and  the  hawk.  About  this  mouse 
Plutarch  relates,  that  it  was  believed 
to  have  received  divine  honors  in 
Egypt  because  it  was  blind,  and 
because  dai-kness  preceded  light. 

Byrsa,  319. 

Cacus,  179. 

Cadmus.  The  son  of  Agenor  and 
grandson  of  Neptune.  With  his 
brothers,  he  was  sent,  by  his  father, 
to  seek  for  his  sister  Europa,  who  had 
been  carried  away  by  Jupiter,  and 
told  not  to  return  without  her.  After 
several  advenUires,  Cadmus  inquired 
of  the  oracle  at  Delphi,  which  com- 


manded him  to  desist  from  further 
search,  to  intrust  himself  to  the  guid- 
ance of  a  heifer,  and  where  she  should 
stop  to  build  a  city.  He  accordingly 
went  to  Boeotia,  where  he  wished  to 
sacrifice  the  cow  to  Minerva.  But  his 
companions,  in  attempting  to  fetch 
water  from  the  fountain  of  Mars  for 
the  purpose  of  sacrifice,  were  slain  by 
the  dragon  that  giuirded  it.  Cadmus 
killed  the  dragon,  and,  at  the  com- 
mand of  Minerva,  sowed  its  teeth  in 
the  earth ;  armed  men  immediately 
sprang  up,  whom  he  called  Sparti 
(the  sowed),  but  who  perished  in  a 
contest  with  each  other,  excepting 
only  five.  With  the  remainder  he 
built  the  city  of  Cadmea  or  Thebes. 
Jupiter  then  married  him  to  Har- 
monia,  and  all  the  gods  were  present 
at  his  nuptials.  To  promote  the  im- 
provement of  his  new  subjects,  he 
taught  them  the  Phoenician  alphabet, 
the  employment  of  music  at  the  festi- 
vals of  the  gods,  besides  the  use  of 
copper,  etc.  Jupiter  finally  changed 
him  and  Ilarmonia  into  serpents,  or, 
as  some  say,  into  lions,  and  trans- 
ported them  to  Elysium.  Tradition 
states  that  he  came  to  Boeotia  from 
Phoenicia  (1550  B.  C),  conquered 
the  inhabitants  who  opposed  him, 
and,  in  conjunction  with  them, 
founded  the  above-named  city.     108. 

Cadu'ceus,  12. 

Cairns,  407- 

Cal'ais,  241. 

Calchas,  288. 

Calli'ope.  One  of  the  muses,  daugh- 
ter of  Jupiter  and  Mnemosyne.  She 
presided  over  eloquence  and  heroic 
poetry.  She  is  said  to  have  been  the 
mother  of  Orpheus,  by  Apollo.  She 
was  represented  with  an  epic  poem  in 
one  hand  and  a  trumpet  in  the  other, 
and  generally  crowned  with  laurel. 
13. 

Callirrhoe.  One  Callirrhoe  was  a 
daughter  of  Oceauus,  who  was  the 


45  G 


INDEX    AND    DICTIOXARY. 


mother  of  Gcrvoiics  and  Ecliidna 
by  Chiysaor.  Aiiotlier  was  a  daugh- 
ter of  Achelous  and  wife  of  Alcmfeon, 
whom  she  induced  to  procure  her  the 
pephis  and  necklace  of  Ilarmonia,  b_y 
which  she  caused  her  husband's 
death.  Another,  a  daughter  of  Sca- 
mander,  the  wife  of  Tros,  and  mother 
of  Ihis  and  Ganymede.  Another 
Callirrhoe,  a  maiden  of  Calydon,  who, 
when  slie  was  loved  In'  Coresus, a  priest 
of  Bacchus,  rejected  all  the  oflfers  he 
made  to  her.  At  length,  he  implored 
his  god  to  punish  the  cruel  maid. 
Bacchus  now  visited  the  people  of 
Calydon  with  a  general  madness, 
which  raged  there  like  a  plague. 
The  Dodoncan  oracle,  which  was 
consulted  about  the  mode  of  averting 
the  calamity,  answered,  that  Bac- 
chus must  be  pi-opitiated,  and  that 
f'allirrhoe  must  be  sacrificed  to  him, 
or  some  one  else  in  her  stead.  The 
maiden  endeavored  in  vain  to  escape 
her  fate ;  but  when  she  was  led  to  the 
altar,  Coresus,  instead  of  performing 
the  sacrifice,  felt  his  love  for  her  re- 
vive so  strongly,  that  he  sacrificed 
himself  in  her  stead.  But  she  also 
now  put  an  end  to  her  life  near  a  well 
which  derived  its  name  from  her. 
There  are  two  more  mythical  person- 
ages of  this  name. 

Callisto,  41. 

Cal'ydon,  167. 

Calypso,  300. 

Camenje,  were  Roman  divinities 
whose  name  is  connected  with  car- 
men  (an  oracle  or  prophecy),  whence 
we  also  find  the  forms  Cas7nence, 
Carmence,  and  Carmeiitis.  The 
Camen<s  were  accordingly  prophetic 
nymphs,  and  tliey  belonged  to  the 
religion  of  ancient  Italy,  although 
later  traditions  i-epresent  them  as 
having  been  introduced  into  Italy 
from  Arcadia.  Two  of  the  Camense 
were  Antevorta  and  Postvorta.  The 
third  was  Carmenta  or  Carmentis,  a 


prophetic  and  healing  divinity,  who 
had  a  temple  at  the  foot  of  the  Capi- 
tol ine  hill,  and  altars  near  the  Porta 
Carmentalis.  The  traditions  which 
assigned  a  Greek  origin  to  her 
worship  at  Rome,  state  that  her 
original  name  was  Nicostrate,  and 
that  she  was  called  Carmentis  from 
her  prophetic  powers.  According  to 
these  traditions  she  was  the  mother 
of  Evander,  the  Arcadian,  by  Her- 
mes, and  after  having  endeavored  to 
persuade  her  son  to  kill  Hermes,  she 
fled  with  him  to  Italy,  where  she  gave 
oracles  to  the  people  and  to  Hercules. 
She  was  put  to  death  by  her  son  at 
the  age  of  one  huneh-ed  and  ten 
j-ears,  and  then  obtained  divine 
honors.  The  fourth  and  most  cele- 
brated Camena  was  ^geria  or 
Egeria.  It  must  be  remai-ked  here, 
that  the  Roman  poets,  even  as  early 
as  the  time  of  Livius  Andronicus, 
apply  the  name  of  Camenae  to  the 
Muses.     214. 

Camil'la,  336,  345. 

Cap'aneus,  229. 

Cassandra,  283. 

Cassiope'ia,  142. 

Castes,  398. 

Castok,  192,  246. 

Cecrops,  129. 

C'ELEUS,  66. 

Centaurs,  loo. 

Cephalus,  34,  111. 

Cepheus,  142. 

Cerberus.  A  three-headed  dog,  with 
snakes  for  hair,  the  offspring  of 
Echidna  by  Typhon,  the  most  terri- 
ble of  the  giants  who  attempted  to 
scale  heaven.  At  his  bark  hell  trem- 
bled, and  when  he  was  loosed  from  his 
hundred  chains  even  the  Furies  could 
not  tame  him.  He  watched  the  en- 
trance of  Tartarus,  or  the  regions  of 
the  dead,  and  fawned  on  those  who 
entered,  but  seized  and  devoured 
those  who  attempted!  to  return.  Only 
Hercules  subdued  him.     179. 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONARY. 


457 


Ceres,  13,  66. 
C'ESTUS,  17,  264. 

C'EYX,  83. 

Chaos,  18. 

Charon,  in  mythology.  The  son  of 
Erebus  and  Nox.  It  was  liis  office  to 
ferry  the  dead,  in  his  crazy  boat,  over 
the  dark  floods  of  Acheron,  over 
Cocytus,  resounding  with  doleful 
Ijimentations  of  the  dead,  and,  finally,  i 
over  the  Sty.v,  dreaded  even  bj'  im- 
mortals. The  shades  were  each 
obliged  to  pay  him  an  obolus,  which 
was  put,  at  the  time  of  burial,  into 
the  mouth  of  the  deceased.  Those 
who  could  not  pay  the  fare,  or  had 
been  so  unfortunate  as  to  find  no 
grave  in  the  upper  world,  were  com- 
pelled to  wander  on  the  desolate 
banks  of  the  Acheron  till  Charon  was 
pleased  to  carry  them  over  to  tlieir 
final  resting-place.  He  was  repre- 
sented as  an  old  man,  with  a  gloomy 
aspect,  matted  beard,  and  tattered 
garments.     324. 

Charybdis,  297. 

Chersonesus.  There  are  two  penin- 
sulas thus  named.  The  Chersonesus 
of  the  tragedies  is  that  known  lately 
as  the  Crimea. 

Chimje'ra,  151. 

Chiron,  155. 

Chryse'is,  261. 

Chryses,  261. 

Cider.    A  poem  by  Phillips,  95. 

CiLix.  Son  of  Agenor  and  brother  of 
Cadmus.  In  his  search  for  Europa 
he  settled  in  Cilicia. 

Circe.  A  sorceress  who  lived  in  the 
island  of  ^aea.  She  was  daughter 
of  Helios,  the  Sun,  and  the  Oceanid 
Perse,  and  was  sister  of  JEetes. 
Ulysses  remained  a  year  at  her 
island  under  her  enchantments. 
Some  call  her  daughter  of  H^iierion 
and  Acrope,  and  others  a  daughter  of 
^Eetes  and  Hecate,  71,  295. 

Clio.  The  daughter  of  Jupiter  and 
Mnemosyne ;  the  muse  of  glory  and  1 


history.  Her  symbols  are,  a  wrcatli 
of  laurel  upon  her  head,  a  trumpet  in 
her  right  hand,  and  a  roll  of  papyrus. 
13. 

Clotho,  14. 

Clymene.  1.  A  daughter  of  Oceanus 
and  Tet|iys,  wife  of  lapetus,  and 
mother  of  Atlas,  Prometheus,  and 
others.  2.  Another  Clymene  is 
daughter  of  Iphis  or  Minyas,  mother 
of  Iphiclus  and  Alcimede.  She  is 
also  represented  as  the  mother  of 
Phaeton  and  of  Atalanta.     49. 

CLY'TiiJ,  123. 

Clytemnestra,  286. 

Cockatrice,  383. 

COLUMBA,  441. 

CoMiTS,  81,  105. 

Cornucopia,  219. 

corybante.s,  173. 

Cranes,  156. 

Creon,  224. 

Creu'sa,  166. 

Crcesus  is  really  a  historical  charac- 
ter, but  his  history  is  so  mingled  with 
oracle  and  with  fiction,  as  to  need 
mention  here.  He  was  immensely 
rich,  and  for  the  punishment  of  his 
pride,  one  of  his  sons  was  born  dumb. 
The  other,  Atj^s,  excelled  all  his  com- 
panions in  manly  accomplishments. 
CrcESUs  dreamed  that  Atys  should 
perish  by  an  ii'on-pointed  weapon, 
and  fate  fulfilled  his  dream,  in  spite 
of  all  precautions.  This  seems  to  be 
the  earliest  form  of  a  well-known 
stoiy  in  the  Arabian  Nights.  At  the 
sack  of  Sardis  Croesus  was  in  great 
danger.  The  dumb  son,  seeing  this, 
cried  out  in  intelligible  language  for 
the  fii"st  time,  and  thus  saved  his 
father's  life. 

Cromlech,  409. 

Cupid,  9,  79,  96. 

CULDEES,  442. 

Cy'ane,  66. 
Cyb'ele,  172. 

Cyclops.  The  name  of  celebrated 
giants.    They  ai-e  of  two  races  :   the 


458 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONARY 


former  are  the  sons  of  Neptune,  and 
the  latter  the  sons  of  Uranus  and 
Graia.  The  latter,  three  in  num- 
ber, were  those  powerful  jjiants  who 
forg-ed  thunderbolts  for  Jupiter  in  the 
workshop  of  Vulcan.  Wholly  dif- 
ferent from  these  are  -the  sons  of 
Neptune,  of  whom  some  enumerate 
seven,  others  near  a  hundred.  The 
most  distinguished  of  them  is  Poly- 
phemus. With  him  is  connected  the 
whole  nation  of  the  Cyclops,  who 
are  described  in  the  Odyssey  as 
wandering  savages,  uncouth  giants, 
without  agriculture  or  civil  union, 
dwelling  in  mountain-caves,  and  sup- 
porting themselves  by  the  bi-ecding 
of  cattle.  According  to  Homer,  they 
resided  on  the  west  side  of  Sicily, 
near  the  dark  Cimmeria.    298,  317. 

Cyn'osure,  41. 

Cyke'ne,  232. 

Dalai  Lama,  404. 

Dan'ae,  245. 

Dana'ides,  the  fifty  daughters  of  Da- 
naiis,  whose  names  are  given  by 
ApoUodorus  and  Hyginus,  though 
they  are  not  the  same  in  both  lists. 
They  were  betrothed  to  the  fifty  sons 
of  aEgyptus,  but  were  compelled  by 
their  father  to  promise  him  to  kill 
their  husbands,  in  the  first  night, 
witli  the  swords  which  he  gave  them. 
They  fulfilled  their  promise,  and  cut 
oft'  the  heads  of  their  husbands,  with 
the  exception  of  Hypermnestra  alone, 
who  was  married  to  Lynccus,  and  who 
spared  his  life.  The  Dana'ides  buried 
the  corpses  of  their  victims,  and  were 
purified  from  their  crime  by  Hermes 
and  Athena  at  the  command  of  Jupiter. 
Danaiis  afterwards  found  it  difficult 
to  obtain  husbands  for  his  daughters, 
and  he  invited  men  to  public  contests, 
in  which  his  daughters  were  given  as 
prizes  to  the  victors.  Notwithstand- 
ing their  purification  mentioned  in 
the  earlier  writers,  later  poets  relate 
that  the  Dan.Vides  were  punished  for 


their  crime  in  Hades  by  being  com- 
pelled everlastingly  to  pour  water 
into  a  vessel  full  of  holes.  Strabo 
and  others  relate  that  Danaiis  or  the 
Dana'ides  provided  Argos  with  water, 
and  for  this  reason  four  of  the  latter 
were  worshipped  at  Argos  as  divini- 
ties ;  and  this  may  possibly  be  the 
foundation  of  the  story  about  the 
punishment  of  the  Dana'ides.  Ovid 
calls  them  by  the  name  of  the  Belides, 
from  their  grandfather,  Belus;  and 
Herodotus,  following  the  tales  of  the 
Egyptians,  says,  that  they  brought 
the  mysteries  of  Demeter  Thesmo- 
phoros  from  Egypt  to  Peloponnesus, 
and  that  the  Pclasgians  there  learned 
the  mysteries  from  them. 
Danaijs,  a  son  of  Belus  and  Anchinoe, 
and  a  grandson  of  Neptune  and 
Lil)ya.  He  was  brother  of  ^Egyptus, 
and  father  of  fift}'  daughters,  and 
the  mythical  ancestor  of  the  Dana'i. 
According  to  the  common  stoiy,  he 
was  a  native  of  Chemnis,  in  the 
Theba'is  in  Upper  Egypt,  and  mi- 
grated from  thence  into  Greece. 
Belus  had  given  Danaiis  Libya, 
while  ^gyptus  had  obtained  Arabia. 
Danaiis  had  reason  to  think  that  the 
sons  of  his  brother  were  plotting 
against  him,  and  fear,  or  the  advice 
of  an  oracle,  induced  him  to  build  a 
large  ship  and  to  embark  with  his 
daughters.  On  his  flight,  he  first 
landed  at  Rhodes,  where  he  set 
up  an  image  of  Athena  Lindia. 
From  Rhodes  Danaiis  and  his  daugh- 
ters sailed  to  Peloponnesus,  and 
landed  at  a  place  near  Lerna,  which 
was  afterwards  called  from  this  event 
Apobathmi.  At  Argos  a  dispute 
arose  between  Danaiis  and  Gelanor 
about  the  government,  and,  after 
many  disputes,  the  people  deferred 
the  decision  of  the  question  to  the 
next  day.  At  its  dawn,  a  wolf 
rushed  among  the  cattle  and  killed 
one  of  the   oxen.     This   occurrence 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONARY. 


459 


was  to  the  Argives  an  event  which 
seemed  to  announce  to  them  in  what 
manner  the  dispute  shoukl  terminate, 
and  Danaiis  was  accordin^i'ly  made 
king  of  Argos.  The  sons  of  Mgyji- 
tus,  in  the  meantime,  had  followed 
their  uncle  to  Argos;  they  assured 
him  of  their  peaceful  sentiments  and 
sued  for  the  hands  of  his  daughters. 
Danaiis  still  mistrusted  them,  and  re- 
membered the  causc-of  his  iiight  from 
his  country ;  however,  he  gave  them 
his  daughters  and  distributed  them 
among  his  nephews  by  lot. 

Daphne,  28. 

Dardanus,  the  progenitor  of  the  Tro- 
jan kings  and  the  son  of  Jupiter  and 
Electra,  daughter  of  Atlas,  emigrated 
from  Samothraee  and  settled  in 
Phrygia,  in  the  country  which  was 
afterward  called  Troas.  Here  he 
built  the  city  which,  from  him,  was 
called  Dardanum  or  Dardanus.  His 
descendants  are  called  by  the  poets 
Dardanians.    315. 

D^DALUS,  190. 

Dawn,  251. 

Deiph'obus,  258. 

Delos,  49,  315. 

Dejani'ra,  179. 

Del'phi,  28. 

Deme'ter,  66. 

Demodocus,  a  famous  bard,  mentioned 
in  the  Odyssey,  who  delighted  the 
guests  of  King  Alcinous,  by  his 
songs,  as  they  feasted.  He  is  also 
mentioned  as  the  bard  who  advised 
Agamemnon  to  guard  Clytemnestra, 
and  to  expose  iEgisthus  in  a  desert 
island.  One  story  makes  Ulysses 
recite  Demodocus's  song  about  the 
destruction  of  Troy  during  a  contest 
in  Tyrrhenia.  On  the  throne  of 
Apollo  at  Amyclie,  Demodocus  was 
represented  playing  to  the  dance  of 
the  Phseacians.  Later  writers,  who 
look  upon  this  mythical  minstrel  as 
an  historical  person,  describe  him  as 
a  native  of  Corcyra,  and  as  an  aged 


and  blind  singer,  who  composed  a 
poem  on  the  destruction  of  Troy,  and 
on  the  marriage  of  Ilcphiestus  and 
Aphrodite.  But  all  such  statements 
arc  fabulous;  and  if  there  existed 
any  poems  under  his  name,  they  were 
certainly  forgeries.  The  name  De- 
modocus is  also  the  name  of  a 
companion  and  friend  of  ^Eucas, 
who  was  killed  by  Halcsus.    307. 

Deuca'lion,  23. 

Dia'xVA,  8. 

Dictys,  198. 

Dido,  318. 

DioMEDEs,  258,  277. 

Dio'ne,  11. 

Diony'sus,  13. 

Dioscu'Ri,  193. 

Dirce,  234. 

Dis,  9,  70. 

Dodona.  Acelelirated  place  in  Epirus, 
built,  according  to  tradition,  by  Deu- 
calion, containing  one  of  the  most 
ancient  oracles  in  Greece.  The 
oracle  belonged  to  Jupiter,  and  near 
the  temple  was  a  sacred  grove,  in 
wliich  there  was  a  prophetic  oak. 
The  prophetic  priestess  announced 
the  divine  communications  in  ditFcr- 
ent  ways.  She  approached  the  sa- 
cred tree,  and  listened  to  the  rustling 
of  its  leaves,  or,  standing  by  the 
fountain  at  the  foot  of  the  tree,  ob- 
served the  murmuring  of  the  water 
which  gushed  forth  from  the  earth. 
363. 

Doris,  211. 

Druids,  408. 

Dryads,  203,  206. 

Dry'ope,  77. 

Echidna,  a  daughter  of  Tartarus  and 
Gaea,  or  of  Clirj-saor  and  Callirrhoe, 
and,  according  to  others  again,  of 
Peiras  and  Styx.  Echidna  was  a 
monster,  half  maiden  and  half  ser- 
pent, with  black  cj-es,  fearful  and 
bloodthirsty.  When  Hercules,  they 
said,  carried  away  the  oxen  of 
Geryoues,  he   also  visited  the  coun- 


4  GO 


INDEX    AND    DICTIOXARY. 


tiy  of  the  Scj-thians,  which  was  then 
still  a  desert.  Oiice,  while  he  was 
asleep  there,  his  horses  suddenh'  dis- 
appeared, and  when  he  woke  and 
wandered  about  in  search  of  them, 
he  came  into  the  country  of  Hykea. 
He  tliere  found  the  monster  Echidna 
in  a  cave.  When  he  asked  whether 
she  knew  anything  about  his  horses, 
she  answered  that  they  were  in  her 
own  possession,  but  that  she  would 
not  give  them  up,  unless  he  would 
consent  to  stay  with  her  for  a  time. 
Hercules  complied  with  the  request, 
and  became  by  her  the  father  of  Aga- 
thyrsus,  Golonus,  and  Scythes.  The 
last  of  them  became  king  of  the 
Scythians,  according  to  his  father's 
arrangement,  because  he  was  tlie 
the  only  one  among  the  three 
brothers,  that  was  able  to  manage 
the  bow  which  Hercules  had  left  be- 
hind, and  to  use  his  father's  girdle. 

Echo,  an  Oread,  who,  when  Jupiter  was 
playing  with  the  nj-mphs,  used  to 
keep  Juno  at  a  distance  by  inces- 
santly talking  to  her.  In  this  man- 
ner Juno  was  not  able  to  detect  her 
faithless  husband,  and  the  nj-mphs 
had  a  chance  to  escape.  Juno,  how- 
ever, found  out  the  deception,  and 
she  punished  Echo  by  changing  her 
into  an  echo,  that  is,  a  being  with  no 
control  over  its  tongue,  which  is 
neither  able  to  speak  before  anybody 
else  has  spoken,  nor  to  be  silent  when 
somcbod}'  else  has  spoken.  Echo,  in 
this  state,  fell  desperately  in  love  with 
Narcissus,  but,  as  her  love  was  not  re- 
turned, she  pined  away  in  grief,  so 
that  at  the  end  there  remained  of  her 
nothing  but  her  voice.     118. 

Edda,  406. 

Ege'ria,  213. 

Electra,  250,  286. 

Eleusis,  69. 

Eleusinian  Mysteries.  Mysteries  of 
Ceres  and  Proserpine  held  at  Eleusis. 
Neither   the   founder   of  these  mj's- 


teries  nor  the  time  of  their  origin  is 
known;  they  were  the  oldest  and 
most  veneralile  in  Greece;  originally 
they  were  only  a  public  festival,  a 
harvest-home,  to  express  the  grati- 
tude of  men  to  Ceres  for  her  bounties ; 
to  recall  their  former  condition,  and 
enjoy  their  present  blessings  ;  to 
banish  unkind  feelings,  and  perhaps, 
also,  to  form  new  laws  and  project 
new  enterprises.    69. 

Elgin  Marbles,  189,  373. 

Elli,  423. 

Elves,  427. 

Elysium,  330. 

Embla,  407. 

Empanda,  or  Panda,  was,  according 
to  Festus,  a  dea  paganorum.  Varro 
connects  the  word  with  pandere,  but 
abiurdl}-  explains  it  hy  pancm  dare,  so 
tliat  Empanda  would  be  the  goddess 
of  bread  or  food.  She  had  a  sanc- 
tuary near  the  gate  of  Rome,  called 
the  Porta  Pandana,  which  led  to  the 
Capitol.  Her  temple  was  an  asylum, 
which  was  alwciys  open,  and  the  sup- 
pliants who  came  to  it  were  supplied 
with  food  from  the  funds  of  the 
temple.  This  custom  at  once  shows 
the  meaning  of  the  name  Panda  or 
Empanda:  it  is  connected  with />«?(- 
dere,  to  open;  she  is  accordingly  the 
goddess  who  is  open  to  or  admits  any 
one  who  wants  protection.  Hartung 
thinks  that  Empanda  and  Panda  are 
onl}-  surnames  of  Juno. 

Enceladus,  149. 

Endymion,  90,  248. 

EpiDAURirs,  366. 

Epimetheus,  19. 

Epopeus,  198. 

Erato  ;  one  of  the  muses,  whose  name 
signifies  loving  or  lovely.  She  has 
much  in  common  with  Terpsichore— 
the  same  attributes,  the  same  dress, 
and  frequently  a  lyre  and  plectrum. 
13. 

Eu'EBUS  —  the  infernal  regions. 

Eridanus,  56. 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONAllY. 


4G1 


Ekis,  256. 
Ekisich'thon,  206. 
Euinn'yes,  14,  287 
Eriph'yle,  223. 
Ekos,  9. 
Ete'ocles,  222. 
Etruscans,  2. 

BUMM  US,  309. 

Eumen'ides,  14,  244. 

Euphros'yne,  13. 

EuROPA,  in  mythology;  the  daughter 
of  Agenor,  king  of  the  Phoenicians, 
and  the  nymph  Mella,  or  Telephassa, 
and  sister  of  Cadmus,  whose  name, 
signifying  white,  is  said  to  liavc  been 
given  to  the  European  continent, 
whose  inhabitants  are  white.  The 
fable  relates,  that  one  of  Juno's 
attendants  stole  a  paint-box  from  the 
toilet  of  her  mistress,  and  gave  it  to 
Europa.  Her  native  beauty,  height- 
ened by  these  means,  won  the  love  of 
Jupiter,  who,  in  order  to  possess  her, 
changed  himself  into  a  wldte  bull, 
and  appeared  in  this  shape  on  the 
shores  of  the  sea,  where  she  was 
strolling  with  her  companions.  At- 
tracted by  the  beauty  and  gentleness 
of  the  animal,  she  even  ventured  to 
mount  upon  his  back,  when  he  im- 
mediately plunged  into  the  sea  with 
his  lovely  prize  and  swam  to  the 
Island  of  Crete.    108,  132. 

eury'alus,  341. 

Euryd'ice,  227. 

euryn'ome,  9. 

Eurysaces,  a  son  of  the  Telamonian 
Ajax  and  Tecmessa,  was  named  after 
the  broad  shield  of  his  father.  A_ii 
Athenian  tradition  related,  that  Eury- 
saces and  his  brother  Philasus  had 
given  up  to  the  Athenians  the  island 
of  Salamis,  which  they  had  inherited 
from  their  grandfather,  and  that  the 
two  brothers  received  in  return  the 
Attic  franchise.  One  of  the  brothers 
then  settled  at  Braurou,  and  the  other 
at  Melite.  Eurysaces  was  honored 
like  his  father,  at  Athensjwith  an  altar. 


Eurystiieus,  175. 

Euryt'ion,  155. 

EuRUS,  214. 

Euterpe,  one  of  the  muses,  considered 
as  presiding  over  music,  because  the 
invention  of  the  ilute  is  ascribed  to 
her.  She  is  usually  represented  as  a 
virgin,  crowned  with  flowers,  having 
a  flute  in  her  hand,  or  with  various 
instruments  about  her.  As  her  name 
denotes,  she  is  the  inspirer  of  pleasure. 
13. 

Evadne,  223. 

Evander,  338. 

Famine,  208. 

Fates,  14. 

Fauna,  16. 

Faunus,  15,  203. 

Favonius,  214. 

Fenris,  414. 

Flora,  16,  241. 

Fortune,  216. 

Freki,408. 

Frey,  412. 

Freya,  413. 

Frigga,  427. 

Furies.  14,  242. 

G^A,  or  Ge,  the  personification  of  the 
earth.  She  appears  in  the  character 
of  a  divine  being  as  early  as  the 
Homeric  poems,  for  we  read  in  the 
Iliad  that  black  sheep  were  sacrificed 
to  her,  and  that  she  was  invoked  by 
persons  taking  oaths.  She  is  further 
called,  in  the  Homeric  poems,  the 
mother  of  Erectheus  and  Tithy  us.  Ac- 
cording to  the  Theogony  of  Hesiod, 
she  was  the  first  being  that  sprang 
from  Chaos,and  gave  birth  to  Ouranus 
and  Pontus.  As  Ge  was  the  source 
from  which  arose  the  vapors  pro- 
ducing divine  inspiration,  she  her- 
self also  was  regarded  as  an  oracular 
divinity,  and  it  is  well  known  that  the 
oracle  of  Delphi  was  believed  to  have 
at  first  been  in  her  possession,  and  at 
Olympia,  too,  she  had  an  oracle  in 
early  times.  The  surnames  and  epi- 
thets given  to  Ge  have  more  or  lesa 


462 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONARY. 


reference  to  her  chai-acter  as  the  all- 
producing  and  all-nourishing  mother. 

Galat^'a,  253. 

Gan'ymede,  182. 

Gautama,  444. 

Gem'ini,  193. 

Genius,  17. 

Geri,  408. 

Gekyon,  177. 

GlALI,AU  HORN,  453. 

Giants,  149. 

Glaucus,  71,  258. 

Golden  Fleece.    See  Argo,  158. 

Golden  Age,  20. 

GoKDiAN  Knot,  60. 

Gorgons,  140. 

Graces,  13. 

Gr^.e,  140. 

Great  Bear,  41. 

Griffin,  156. 

Guebers,  394. 

Hades,  179.    Also,  see  Neptunus. 

Halcy'one,  83. 

H^^EMON,  son  of  Creon  of  Thebes, 
perished  according  to  some  accounts, 
by  the  Sphinx.  According  to  other 
traditions  he  survived  the  war  of  the 
Seven  against  Thebes,  and  he  is  said 
to  have  been  in  love  with  Antigone, 
and  to  have  made  away  with  himself 
on  hearing  that  she  was  condemned 
by  his  father  to  be  entombed  alive. 
224. 

Hamadry'ads,  204. 

Harmo'nia,  111,  223. 

Harpies,  315. 

Harpocrates,  359. 

Hebe,  181. 

Hebrus,  Maritza  or  Marizza,  ancient 
name  Hebrus,  a  large  river  of  Rou- 
melia,  European  Turkej^,  229. 

Hec'ate,  164. 

Hector,  258. 

Hecuba,  Hecabe  or  in  Latin  Hecuba, 
a  daughter  of  Dymas  in  Phrygia,  and 
second  wife  of  Priam,  king  of  Troy. 
Some  describe  her  as  a  daughter  of 
Cisseus,  or  the  Phrygian  river-god, 
Sangarius  and  Metope.      According 


to  the  tragedy  of  Euripides,  which 
bears  her  name,  she  was  made  a  slave 
by  the  Greeks  on  their  taking  Troy, 
and  was  carried  by  them  to  Chersone- 
sus  ;  there  she  saw  her  daughter 
Polyxena  sacrificed.  On  the  same 
day  the  waves  of  the  sea  washed  the 
body  of  her  last  son  Polydorus  on  the 
coast  where  stood  the  tents  in  which 
the  captive  women  were  kept.  Hec- 
uba recognized  the  body,  and  sent  for 
Polymestor,  who  had  murdered  him, 
pretending  that  she  was  going  to  in- 
form him  of  a  treasure  which  was 
concealed  at  Ilium.  When  Polj'mes- 
tor  arrived  with  his  two  sons,  Hecuba 
murdered  the  children,  and  tore  out 
the  eyes  of  Polymestor.  Agamem- 
non pardoned  her  for  the  crime.  Ac- 
cording to  other  accounts  she  was 
given  as  a  slave  to  Ulysses,  and  in 
despair  she  leaped  into  the  Helles- 
pont, or  being  anxious  to  die,  she 
uttered  such  invectives  against  the 
Greeks,  that  the  warriors  put  her  to 
death.    283. 

Heidrvn,  403. 

IIeimdal,  413. 

Hela,  413. 

Helen,  257, 284. 

Hei-exus,  a  son  of  Priam  and  Hecuba, 
was  a  skilful  observer  of  auguries, 
and  knew  the  counsel  of  the  gods; 
but  he  was  at  the  same  time  a  warrior, 
and  with  Deiphobus  he  led  the  third 
host  of  the  Trojans  against  the  camp 
of  the  Greeks.  He  fought  against 
Menelaus,  but  was  wounded  by  him. 
314. 

IIeli'ades,  56. 

Hel'icon,  54. 

Hellas,  the  oi'iginal  home  of  the  Hel- 
lenes, according  to  the  received 
opinion,  was  tirst  a  town,  and  after- 
wards, under  the  name  of  Plithiotis,  a 
Avell-known  district  of  Thessaly. 
The  ancients  also  sometimes  applied 
this  name  to  the  whole  of  Thessaly. 
With  the  spread  of  the  Hellenic  peo- 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONARY. 


463 


pie  southwards,  the  tei-m  embraced  a 
gradually  increasing  territory,  until  it 
came  to  denote  the  whole  of  Middle 
Greece  or  Greece  Proper.  At  a  still 
later  period,  the  Peloponnesus  itself 
was  included  under  the  designation; 
and  finally  Hellas  came  to  be  used  in 
the  broadest  sense,  as  comprehendhig 
the  whole  of  Greece  with  its  islands 
and  colonies.    3. 

Helle,  158. 

Hel'lespont,  153. 

Heph^stos,  6,  11. 

Here,  10. 

Hercules,  175,  213. 

Hermes,  12. 

Hermod,  429. 

Hero,  124. 

IIesiodus,  one  of  the  earliest  Greek 
poets,  respecting  whose  personal  his- 
tory we  possess  little  more  authentic 
information  than  respecting  that  of 
Homer,  together  with  whom  he  is 
frequently  mentioned  by  the  ancients. 
The  names  of  these  two  poets,  in  fact, 
form  as  it  were  the  two  poles  of  the 
early  epic  poetry 'of  the  Greeks ;  and 
as  Homer  represents  the  poetry,  or 
school  of  poetry  belonging  chiefly  to 
Ionia  in  Asia  Minor,  so  Ilesiod  is  the 
representative  of  a  school  of  bards, 
which  was  developed  somewhat  later 
at  the  foot  of  iSlount  Helicon  in 
Bceotia,  and  spread  over  Phocis  and 
Euboea.  The  Hesiodic  poetry,  such 
as  it  has  come  down  to  us,  is  of  later 
growth  than  the  Homeric  ;  an  opinion 
which  is  confirmed  by  the  language 
and  expressions  of  the  two  schools, 
and  by  a  variety  of  collateral  circum- 
stances, among  which  we  may  men- 
tion the  range  of  knowledge  being 
much  more  extensive  in  the  poems 
which  bear  the  name  of  Ilesiod  than 
in  those  attributed  to  Homer.  Herod- 
otus and  others  regarded  Homer  and 
Hesiod  as  contemporaries,  and  some 
even  assigned  to  him  an  earlier  date 
than  Homer ;  but  the  general  opinion 


of  the  ancients  was  that  Homer  was 
the  elder  of  the  two,  a  belief  which 
was  entertained  by  Philochorus,  Xen- 
ophanes,  Eratosthenes,  Apollodorus, 
and  many  others. 

Hespe'ria,  315. 

Hes'peris,  178. 

Hespek'ides,  177. 

Hes'perus,  178. 

Hestia,  16. 

Hindus,  395. 

Hippocre'ne,  152. 

IIippodami'a,  155. 

HiPPOLY'TA,  176. 

HlPPOL'YTUS,  188, 

Hippom'enes,  171. 

IIoDUR,  428. 

Homer,  376. 

HoRus,  357. 

Hrungnir,  425. 

HuGi,  421. 

Iluom,  408. 

Hyacin'tiius,  81. 

Hy'ades,  196. 

Hydra,  176. 

Hyge'ia,  212. 

Hylas,  163. 

Hymen,  or  Ilyraenreus,  in  Grecian  my- 
thology, the  God  of  marriage;  but 
originally,  the  word  seems  to  have 
denoted  only  the  bridal-song  which 
was  sung  by  the  companions  of  the 
bride  as  she  went  from  her  father's 
house  to  that  of  the  bridegroom. 
The  god  Hymen  is  first  mentioned 
by  Sappho.  The  legends  concern- 
ing him  are  various ;  but  he  is  gener- 
ally said  to  be  a  son  of  Apollo  and 
some  one  of  the  Muses.  He  is  re- 
presented as  a  boy  with  wings  and  a 
garland,  a  bigger  and  graver  Cupid, 
with  a  bridal  torch  and  a  veil  in  his 
hands.     228. 

Hyperbore'ans,  3. 

Hype'rion,  9. 

Hyperi'on,  9. 

Iapetus,  a  Titan  son  of  Ouranos  and 
Gaea  or  Ge;  that  is  of  Heaven  and 
of  Earth.     He  is. brother  of  KronoS; 


4()4 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONARY. 


Oceanus,  Cceus,  Hyperion,  Tetliys, 
and  Rhea.  In  one  tradition  he 
mairied  Asia,  the  daughter  of  his 
hrothei'  Oceanus,  and  became  father 
of  Atlas,  Prometheus,  Epimetheus, 
and  Menelaus,  In  other  traditions 
his  wife  is  Clymene,  and  in  others 
he  marries  Tcthys,  Asopis,  or  Libya. 
Ilyginus  makes  lapetus  a  son  of 
Tartarus.  The  rcsembhmce  between 
the  name  of  lapetus  and  that  of 
Japheth  (Genesis  x.  1)  has  been  ob- 
served. The  children  of  Japheth 
in  the  Bible  narrative  have  names 
which  suggest  geographical  connec- 
tions, lilce  those  of  the  children  of 
lapetus.    21. 

Ia'sius,  168. 

Ib'ycus,  242. 

I'CARUS,  190. 

Ica'kius,  225. 

I'CELUS,  87. 

Ida,  a  high  mountain  range,  in  Asia 
Minor,  extending  from  Phrygia 
through  Mysia  into  Troas.  The  city 
of  Troy  was  situated  at  its  base.  It 
is  the  scene  of  many  ancient  legends. 
256. 

Idas,  a  son  of  Apharcus  and  Arene, 
the  daughter  of  Oebalus,  whence  he 
and  his  brother  Lynceus  are  called 
Apharetides,  or  Apliareidse.  He 
was  married  to  JSIarpessa,  and  be- 
came by  her  the  fiither  of  Cleopatra 
or  Alcyone.  Once,  so  the  story  runs, 
the  Aphareidae  and  Dioscuri  con- 
jointly carried  off  some  herds  from 
Arcadia,  and  Idas  was  requested  to 
divide  the  booty  into  equal  parts.  He 
thereupon  divided  a  bull  into  four 
parts,  declaring  that  he  who  should 
have  eaten  his  quarter  first  should 
have  half  the  booty,  and  the  one 
who  should  finish  his  next  should 
have  the  other  half.  Idas  himself 
not  only  devoured  his  own  quarter 
but  also  that  of  his  brother,  and  then 
drove  away  the  whole  herd  into 
Messenia.     The    Dioscuri,  however, 


dissatisfied  with  this  iLode  of  pro- 
ceeding, marched  into  Messenia, 
carried  off  the  Arcadian  oxen,  to- 
gether with  much  other  booty  made 
in  Messenia,  and  lay  in  ambush  in  a 
hollow  oak-tree  to  wait  for  Idas  and 
Lynceus.  The  latter,  whose  eyes 
were  so  keen  that  he  could  see 
through  everything,  discovered  Cas- 
tor through  the  trunk  of  the  oak, 
and  pointed  him  out  to  Idas,  who 
killed  him.  Polydeuces,  in  order  to 
avenge  his  Ijrother,  pursued  them 
and  ran  Lynceus  through  with  his 
spear.  Idas,  in  return,  struck  Poly- 
deuces with  a  stone  so  violently,  that 
he  fell  and  fainted ;  whereupon  Zeus 
slew  Idas  with  a  flash  of  lightning. 
193. 

Idu'na,  413. 

Iliad,  261. 

Ili'one'js,  137. 

Ilion,  see  Troy,  288. 

INDKA,  394. 

Ino,  212. 

lo,  37. 

Ioba'tes,  152. 

Iola'us,  176. 

I'OLE,  77, 180. 

Io'na,  440. 

Iphigeni'a,  259,  317. 

Ipiiis,  1.  a  sou  of  Sthcnclus,  brotherof 
Eurystheus,  one  of  the  Argonauts. 
2.  a  son  of  Alector,  King  of  Argos. 
Iphis  is  also- a  woman's  name,  93. 

Iph'itus,  180. 

Ikis,  11,85. 

Ikon  age,  20. 

Isis,  360. 

Isme'nos,  135. 

Isthmian  games,  190. 

Ith'aca,  225, 308. 

Ixi'ON,  a  son  of  Phleg}'as,  or  accord- 
ing to  some,  a  son  of  Antion  by  Puri- 
mela,  of  Pasion,  or  of  Ares.  Ac- 
cording to  the  common  tradition,  his 
mother  was  Dia,  a  daughter  of 
Dcioneus.  He  was  king  of  the 
Lapithse  or  Phlegyes,  and  the  father 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONARY. 


465 


of  Pirithous.  When  Deioneus  de- 
manded of  Ixion  the  bridal  gifts  he 
had  promised,  Ixion  trcacbcrously 
invited  him,  as  though  it  were  to  a 
banquet,  and  then  contrived  to  make 
him  fall  into  a  pit  filled  with  fire. 
Ixion,  as  a  punisliment,  was  chained 
by  Hermes  with  his  hands  and  feet 
to  a  wheel,  which  is  described  as 
wing-cd  or  fier\',  and  said  to  have 
rolled  perpetually  in  the  air  or  in  the 
lower  world.  He  is  further  said  to 
have  been  scourged,  and  compelled 
to  exclaim  "Benefactors  should  be 
honored."    208. 

Janus,  16. 

Jason,  158,  163. 

JocASTA,  152,  222. 

jotunheim,  407. 

Jove,  8. 

Juggernaut,  397. 

Juno,  9,  46,  256. 

Ju'PITER,  19. 
IVRONOS,  6. 

KuBLA  Khan,  70. 

Lab'yrinth,  186. 

Lach'esis,  14. 

La'ius,  150. 

L^strtgo'nians,  294. 

Lama,  403. 

Laoc'oon,  280. 

Laodami'a,  259 

Lap'ith^,  155. 

Lares,  17. 

Larva,  17. 

Lati'nus,  334. 

Latmos,  248. 

Lato'na,  see  Leto,  47. 

Lausus,  344. 

Lavin'ia,  355. 

Lean'der,  124. 

Leda,  132. 

Lelaps,  34. 

Lemur,  17. 

Lesbian  —  Sappho. 

Lethe,  86. 

Leto,  in  Latin  Latona,  according  to 
Hcsiod,  a  daughter  of  the  Titan 
Coeus,  and  Phoebe,  a  sister  of  Asteria, 


and  the  mother  of  Apollo  and  Arte- 
mis.    Leto  was  generally  worshipped 
only    in    conjunction  with  her  chil- 
dren.   47. 
Leucothe'a,  212. 
Liber,  16. 
Libe'thra,  229. 
LicuAS,  180. 
Linus,  236. 
Little  Bear,  41. 
LoGi,  421. 
LoKi,  403. 
LoTis,  78. 
Lotus  eaters,  290. 
Luci'na,  16. 
Ly'cabas,  198. 
Ly'cidas,  83. 

Lycome'des,  a  king  of  the  Dolopians, 
in  the  island  of  Scyros,  father  oi'  Dei- 
dameia  and  grandfather  of  Pliyrrus 
orNeoptolcmus,  188,  198. 
Lycus,  234. 

Lynceus,    a     son    of   Aphareus    and 
Arene,  and  brother  of  Idas,  was  one 
of  the  Argonauts,  and  so  keen  was 
his  siglit  that  it   became  proverbial. 
He  is  also  mentioned  as  being  among 
the    Calydonian    Hunters,   and    was 
slain  by  Pollux.    193. 
MEANDER,  190. 
M^ON'iDES,  see  Homer. 
Maia,  12. 
Magi,  391. 
Macha'on,  265. 
Maiiade'va,  397. 
Mantuan  swain,  see  Virgil. 
Manu.  395. 
Maro,  see  Virgil. 
Mars,  9. 
Mar'syas,  236. 
Mede'a,  163. 
Medu'sa,  140. 
Meg^'ra,  14. 
Melampus,  236. 
Melan'thus,  198. 
Melea'ger,  167. 
Melicer'tes,  212. 
Melisseus,  219. 
Melpom'ene,  13. 


466 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONARY. 


Memnon,  acconlinjr  to  fable,  was  the 
son  of  Tithoiuis  and  Aurora,  and  the 
brother  of  Einathon.  According  to 
some  lie  was  king  of  Ethiopia,  ac- 
cording to  others  of  the  Assyrians. 
He  built  a  splendid  palace  and  a 
labyrinth  at  Abydos,  in  Egypt,  and 
another  palace  at  Susa,  in  Persia, 
which  city  received  from  him  the 
epithet  of  Memnonia. 

Priam,  king  of  Troy,  induced  him, 
by  the  present  of  a  golden  vine,  to 
come  to  his  assistance  against  the 
Greeks.  He  performed  many  valiant 
exploits,  and  wounded  Achilles  him- 
self, by  whom  he  was  finally  killed. 
Memnon  and  Amenophis  were  the 
same,  and  the  statue  of  Memnon  re- 
presents a  hero  worshipping  the  sun, 
a  king  or  priest  saluting  the  god.   252. 

Men^'cius,  223. 

Menela'us,  237,  284. 

Men(eceus,  a  son  of  Creon.  In  the 
war  of  the  Seven  Argives  against 
Thebes,  Tiresias,  or,  as  some  say,  the 
Delphic  Oracle,  declared  that  Thebes 
should  conquer  if  Menceccus  would 
sacrifice  himself  for  his  country. 
Menoeceus  therefore  killed  himself 
outside  the  gates  of  Thebes.  His 
tomb  was  shown  at  Thebes  near  the 
Neitian  gate.     223. 

Mentor,  301. 

Mercury,  6,  12,  19. 

Mer'ope,  250. 

Metani'ka,  66. 

Metempsycho'sis,  329. 

Metis,  9. 

Mezen'tius,  344. 

Midas,  58. 

MiDGAKD,  406. 

Milky  way,  22. 

MiLO,  153. 

Miner'va,  129,  256. 

Minos,  118. 

MiN'OTAUR,  186. 

Mistletoe,  428, 438. 

MNEMOS'i'NE,  9. 
MOMUS,  14. 


Monsters,  149. 

Morpheus,  from  nop(pt;,  form,  because 
he  assumes  a  variety  of  forms  and 
shapes,  or  forms  the  dreams  which 
appear  to  the  sleeper,  a  servant  of 
Somnus  or  Sleep.  He  lived  in  a 
dark,  silent  cave,  impenetrable  by 
the  rays  of  the  sun,  in  Cimmeria. 
He  is  often  confounded  with  the  god 
of  sleep,  but  is  more  strictly  the  god 
of  dreams,  and  was  often  sent  out  to 
make  known  to  mortals  the  will  of 
the  gods.  He  appeared  in  human 
form  only,  his  brother  Phobetor  (the 
Terrifier)  being  employed  to  assume 
the  shape  of  beasts,  and  Phantasos 
that  of  inanimate  objects.  Morpheus 
is  represented  as  a  handsome  youth, 
crowned  with  poppies,  and  holding 
in  his  hand  a  horn  of  plenty,  from 
which  he  scatters  various  figures.   86. 

Mul'ciber,  16. 

Mus^us,  237. 

Muses,  13. 

Myr'midons,  111. 

Xa'iads,  204. 

Nanna,  430. 

Narcissus,  118. 

Nausic'aa,  308. 

Negus,  404. 

Ne'mean  lion,  175. 

Ne'mean  games,  190. 

Nem'esis,  14,  288. 

Xeoptol'emus,  285. 

Neph'ele,  158. 

Nepenthe,  285. 

Neptune,  23,  210. 

Neptu'nus,  the  chief  marine  divinity 
of  the  Romans.  When  a  Roman 
commander  sailed  out  with  a  fleet, 
he  first  offered  up  a  sacrifice  to  Nep- 
tunus,  which  was  thrown  into  the 
sea.  In  the  Roman  poets,  Neptunus 
is  completel}'  identified  with  the 
Greek  Poseidon,  and  accoi-dingly  all 
the  attributes  of  the  latter  are  trans- 
ferred by  them  to  the  former.  Posei- 
don was  a  brother  of  Zeus,  Hades, 
Hera,  Hestia,  and  Demeter.and  it  was 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONARY. 


467 


determined  by  lot  that  he  should  rule 
over  the  sea.  The  palace  of  Posei- 
don was  in  the  depth  of  the  sea,  near 
Aegae  in  Euboea,  where  he  kept  his 
horses  with  brazen  hoofs  and  golden 
manes.  With  these  horses  he  rides 
in  a  chariot  over  the  waves  of  the 
sea,  which  become  smooth  as  he  ap- 
proaches, and  the  monsters  of  the 
deep  recognize  him  and  play  around 
his  chariot. 

Nereids,  55,  204. 

Nereus,  211. 

Nestor  was  the  most  distinguished  of 
the  Grecian  heroes  at  Troy  for  wis- 
dom, the  consequence  of  his  great 
age ;  he  was  also  particularly  cele- 
brated for  his  mild  and  persuasive 
eloquence.  Nestor  was  the  son  of 
Helens  and  Chloris.  He  was  edu- 
cated at  Crerania,  and  succeeded  his 
father  as  prince  of  Pylos.  In  his 
youth  and  manhood,  he  distinguished 
himself  by  many  bold  exploits,  but 
also  early  acquired  the  reputation  of 
a  prudent  counsellor  and  persuasive 
orator.  He  signalized  himself  among 
the  Lapith^,  whom  he  assisted  in 
their  war  with  the  Centaurs.  Not- 
withstanding he  had  lived  through 
two  generations,  when  the  expedition 
to  Troy  was  undertaken,  he,  never- 
theless, took  part  in  it,  and  conducted 
the  forces  under  his  command  in 
twentj^  ships  to  Troj-.  Whether  we 
reckon  a  generation  at  a  hundred 
years,  as  the  ancients  did,  or  at 
thirty  years,  as  is  usual  with  us,  in 
either  case  Nestor  was  too  old  to 
take  a  personal  share  in  the  combats 
before  Troy.  The  part  which  is  at- 
tributed to  him  in  tlie  Iliad  is  that 
of  an  experienced  counsellor.  He 
endeavored  to  produce  a  reconcilia- 
tion between  Agamemnon  and  Ach- 
illes, and  encouraged,  advised,  in- 
structed and  blamed  the  Grecian 
heroes.  Without  his  interference, 
the  siege  of  Troy  would  more  tlian 


once  have  been  abandoned.  After 
the  capture  of  Troy,  he  returned  to 
Greece.  After  Nestor  had  outlived 
three  generations,  he  died  quietly  at 
Pylos,  where,  even  to  a  late  period, 
the  inhabitants  have  pretended  to  dis- 
tinguish his  dwelling  and  his  grave. 
See  258. 

NiDHOGGE,  408. 
NiFFLEHEIM,  408. 
Nl'OBE,  135. 

Nisus,  116. 

NoRNS,  408. 

NuMA,  213. 

Nys^'an  nymphs,  196. 

Nymphs,  196. 

Oce'anus,  the  god  of  the  ocean  river, 
which  surrounded  the  habitable 
world.  In  Homer  a  might}-  god  who 
yields  in  power  to  none  but  Jupiter. 
Homer  calls  Tethys  his  wife ;  they  had 
three  daughters,  Thetis,  Eur3'nome, 
and  Perse.  Ilesiod  calls  him  son  of 
Ouranos  and  Gaea  (Heaven  and 
Earth).  The  oldest  of  the  Titans, 
and  husband  of  Tethys,  by  whom  he 
was  father  of  three  thousand  Ocean- 
ides  :  —  daughters  of  Ocean.  Repre- 
sentations of  the  god  are  seen  on 
imperial  coins  of  Tyre  and  Alexan- 
dria, 15,  210. 

Odin,  407. 

CEd'ipus,  iro.  222. 

Od'yssey,  290. 

CE'neus,  167. 

ffiNO'NE,  278. 

CEno'pion,  250. 

CEta,  180. 

Olen,  a  mythical  personage,  who  is 
represented  as  the  earliest  Greek 
lyric  poet,  and  the  first  author  of 
sacred  hymns  in  hexameter  verse. 
He  is  closely  connected  with  the 
worship  of  Apollo,  of  whom,  in  one 
legend,  he  was  made  the  prophet. 
His  connection  with  Apollo  is  also 
marked  by  the  statement  of  the 
Delphian  poetess  Boeo,  who  repre- 
sents  him    as   a    Hyperborean,   and 


468 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONARY. 


one  of  the  establishers  of  oracles ; 
but  the  more  common  story  made 
him  a  native  of  Lycia.  In  either 
case,  his  coming  from  the  extreme 
part  of  the  Pclasgian  world  to  Delos 
intimates  the  distant  origin  of  the 
Ionian  worship  of  Apollo,  to  v.iiich 
and  not  to  the  Dorian,  Olen  properly 
belongs. 

Olympic  games,  189. 

Olympiads,  188. 

Olympus,  the  abode  of  the  gods,  also 
requires  a  few  words  of  comment  in 
this  place.  Mount  Olympus  is  situa- 
ted in  the  northeast  of  Thessaly,  and 
is  about  six  thousand  feet  high ;  on 
its  summit  which  rises  above  the 
clouds  of  heaven,  and  is  itself  cloud- 
less, Hcphjestus  had  built  a  town  with 
gates,  which  was  inhabited  by  Jupiter 
and  the  other  gods.  The  palace  of 
Jupiter  contained  an  assembly-hall, 
in  which  met  not  only  the  gods  of 
Olympus,  but  those  also  who  dwelt 
on  the  earth  or  in  the  sea.  This  ce- 
lestial mountain  must  indeed  be  dis- 
tinguished from  heaven ;  but  as  the 
gods  lived  in  the  city  which  rose 
above  the  clouds  and  into  heaven, 
they  lived  at  the  same  time  in  heaven, 
and  the  gates  of  the  celestial  city 
were  at  the  same  time  regarded  as 
the  gates  of  heaven.    3. 

Om'phale  was  daughter  of  the  Lydian 
king  Sardamis,  and  wife  of  Tmolus, 
after  whose  death  she  administered 
the  government.  Hercules  was  sold 
to  her  for  a  slave  by  INIercury,  and 
performed  some  remarkable  exploits 
in  her  service.  Hercules  was  so 
enamored  of  her  that  to  please 
her,  he  assumed  the  garments  of  a 
female,  adorned  his  fingers  with  gold 
rings,  had  his  hair  curled,  and  spun 
among  her  female  slaves,  while  she 
wore  the  lion's  skin,  and  wielded  the 
club.  Omphale  governed  with  great 
severity,  and  was  no  less  licentious 
and  extravagant  than  cruel,  179. 


Oracles,  363. 

Ores'tes,  286. 

Orithy'ia,  214. 

Ori'on,  249. 

Or'pheus,  227. 

Orphic  Literature.  A  large  num- 
ber of  the  poems  ascribed  to  Orpheus 
were  current  as  early  as  the  time  of 
the  Peisistratids,  and  they  are  often 
(juoted  bj'  Plato.  The  allusions  to 
them  in  later  writers  arc  very  fre- 
quent; for  example,  Pausanias  speaks 
of  hymns  of  his,  which  he  believed 
to  be  still  preserved  by  the  Lycomidae 
(an  Athenian  family  who  seem  to 
have  been  the  chief  priests  of  the 
Orphic  woi-ship,  as  the  Eumolpidre 
were  of  the  Eleusinian),  and  which, 
he  says,  were  only  inferior  in  beauty 
to  the  poems  of  Homer,  and  held 
even  in  higher  honor,  on  account  of 
their  divine  subjects.  He  also  speaks 
of  them  as  very  few  in  number,  and 
as  distinguished  by  great  brevity  of 
style. 

Considering  the  slight  acquaintance 
which  the  ancients  evidently  pos- 
sessed with  these  Avorks,  it  is  some- 
what surprising  that  certain  extant 
poems,  which  bear  the  name  of  Or- 
pheus, should  have  been  generally 
regarded  by  scholars  until  a  very 
recent  period,  as  genuine,  that  is,  as 
works  more  ancient  than  the  Homeric 
poems,  if  not  the  productions  of 
Orpheus  himself.  It  is  not  worth 
while  to  repeat  here  the  history  of 
the  controversy,  which  will  be  found 
in  Bernhardy  and  other  historians 
of  Greek  literature.  The  result  is 
that  it  is  now  fully  established  that 
the  bulk  of  these  poems  are  the  for- 
geries of  Christian  grammarians  and 
philosophei-s  of  the  Alexandrian 
school;  but  that  among  the  frag- 
ments, which  form  a  part  of  the  col- 
lection, are  some  genuine  remains  of 
that  Orphic  poetry  which  was  known 
to  Plato,  and  which  must  be  assigned 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONARY. 


469 


to  the  period  of  Onomacritus,  or  per- 
haps a  Httle  earlier. 

O'READS,  204. 

Ormtjzd,  391. 

Oromas'des,  391. 

OssA,  150. 

Osi'ris,  359. 

Os'siAN,  439. 

OuRANUS,  Greek  spelling  of  Uranus. 

Ovid,  378. 

Pacto'lus.  a  river  of  Lydia,  cele- 
brated for  its  golden  sand.  After 
flowing  through  Sardis,  it  emptied 
into  the  Humus.     59. 

TyEON,  212. 

Palame'des,  257. 

Pal^'mon,  212. 

Pa'les,  16. 

Palinu'rus,  320. 

Palladium,  is  properly  an  image  of 
Pallas  Athene,  but  generally  an  an- 
cient one,  which  was  kept  hidden  and 
secret,  and  was  revered  as  a  pledge 
of  the  safety  of  the  town  or  place 
where  it  existed.  Among  these  an- 
cient images  of  Pallas  none  is  more 
celebrated  than  the  Trojan  Palladium, 
concerning  which  there  was  the  fol- 
lowing tradition.  Athene  wa's  brought 
up  by  Triton ;  and  his  daughter,  Pal- 
las, and  Athene  once  were  wrestling 
together  for  exercise.  Jupiter  inter- 
fered in  the  struggle,  and  suddenly 
held  the  aegis  before  the  face  of  Pal- 
las. Pallas,  while  looking  up  to 
Zeus,  was  wounded  by  Athene,  and 
died.  Athene  in  her  sorrow  caused 
an  image  of  the  maiden  to  be  made, 
round  which  she  hung  the  regis,  and 
which  she  placed  by  the  side  of  the 
image  of  Jupiter.  Subsequently, 
when  Electra  fled  to  this  image, 
Jupiter  threw  it  down  from  Olym- 
pus upon  the  earth.  It  came  down 
at  Troy,  where  llus,  who  had  just 
been  praying  to  the  god  for  a  fa- 
vorable omen  for  the  building  of  the 
city,  took  it  up,  and  erected  a  sanc- 
tuary to  it.     279. 


Pallas,  12. 

Pan,  14,  203. 

Panathen^'a,  189. 

Pando'ra,  19. 

Paphos,  76. 

Parc^,  see  Fates. 

Pa'riahs,  400. 

Paris,  256. 

Parnas'sus,  22,  364. 

Parsees,  393. 

Par'thenon,  189. 

Patro'clus,  266. 

Peg'asus,  151. 

Pe'leus,  168. 

Pe'lias,  65,  159. 

Pe'lion,  151. 

Pena'tes,  17. 

Penel'ope.  A  daughter  of  Icarius  and 
Periboea  of  Sparta.  According  to 
Didymus,  Penelope  was  originally 
called  Ameirace,  Arnacia,  or  Arnaea, 
and  Nauplius  or  her  own  parents 
are  said  to  have  cast  her  into  the 
sea,  where  she  was  fed  by  sea-birds, 
the  name  of  which  she  took.  225, 
341. 

Pe'neus,  28. 

Penthesile'a,  276. 

Pentheu's  was  nephew  of  Cadmus, 
and  his  successor  as  king  of  Thebes. 
He  opposed  the  introduction  of  the 
worship  of  the  god  Bacchus,  and  for 
this  offence  was  torn  to  pieces  by  the 
Bacchantes,  among  whom  were  his 
own  brother  and  sisters,  acting,  prob- 
ably, under  the  direct  influence  of  the 
god.     197. 

Pep'lus,  190. 

Periander,  238. 

Periphe'tes.  a  son  of  Hephaestus 
and  Anticleria,  was  siu-named  Cory- 
netcs,  that  is,  Club-bearer,  and  was  a 
robber  at  Epidaurus,  who  slew  the 
travellers  he  met  with  an  iron  club. 
Theseus  at  last  slew  him  and  took 
his  club  for  his  owu  use.     184. 

Perseus,  140. 

Persepii'one,  13. 

Ph^acians,  302. 


470 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONARY. 


Ph^dka,  188. 

Pha'eton,  49. 

Phanta'sos,  87. 

Phaon,  246. 

Phile'mon,  61. 

Philocte'tes,  180,  277. 

Phin'eus,  145,  316. 

Phcebus,  9. 

Phcenix,  38, 

Phkyxus,  158. 

Pirith'ous,  155. 

Ple'iads,  250. 

Plenty,  219. 

Plexip'i'us,  169. 

Pluto,  9,  58, 

Plutus  is  said  to  have  been  blinded  by 
Jupiter,  so  tliat  he  might  distribute 
his  gifts  without  regard  to  merit,  he 
having  previously  granted  them  to 
the  good  exclusively.  He  is  usually 
represented  as  a  boy  with  a  cornu- 
copia. When  coming  to  mortals  he 
is  slow-footed  and  lame,  when  going 
from  them  he  is  swift-winged,  14. 

Poli'tes,  282. 

Pollux,  192. 

Poltdec'tes,  140. 

Polydeuces,  another  name  for  Pollux. 
See  Idas. 

Pol'ydore,  315. 

Polyhy'm'nia,  or  Polymnia ;  according 
to  the  later  poets,  the  muse  of  lyric 
song  or  of  music,  to  whom  is  attrib- 
uted the  invention  of  mimes  and  pan- 
tomimes. The  Grecian  artists  rep- 
resented her  covered  with  a  veil,  in 
a  meditative  posture.  Her  symbols 
are  the  lyre  and  the  plectrum.  She 
places  the  forefinger  of  her  right  hand 
on  her  mouth,  or  holds  a  scroll.    f3. 

Polyi'dus,  153. 

POLYNI'CES,  222. 

Polyphe'mus,  291,  317. 
Polyx'ena,  275. 
Pomo'na,  16,  91. 
Portu'nus,  212. 
Posei'don,  10. 
Prester  John,  405. 
Pri'am,  258,  274. 


Prior's  "  Kitty."     57. 

Pro  cris,  34. 

Procrus'tes,  185. 

Pkome'theus,  19. 

Pros'erpine,  or  Proser'pine.    58,  66. 

Pro'teus,  212,  232. 

Protesila'us,  259. 

Psyche,  96. 

Pura'nas,  397. 

PrcwiA'LioN,  75,  318. 

Pygmies,  156. 

Pyl'ades,  287. 

Pyr'amus,  30. 

Pyrrha,  23. 

Pyrrhus,  282. 

Pythag'oras,  349. 

Pyth'ia,  364. 

Pythian  Games,  190. 

Python,  27. 

QuiRiNUS  was,  according  to  Mommsen,. 
a  surname  of  Mars  amongst  the 
Latins.  Numa  built  the  temple  of 
Quirinus,  in  honor  of  Romulus,  on 
the  Collis  Quirinalis,  or  the  Quirinal, 
one  of  the  seven  hills  on  which  Rome 
was  built,  15. 

Rhadaman'thus,  326. 

Rhcecus,  209. 

Rhea,  8. 

Roman  Mythology,  15. 

Sabri'na,  212. 

Sagitta'rius,  177. 

Sakyasin'ha,  400. 

Salamander,  387. 

Sa'mian  Sage,  319. 

Samor,  57. 

Sappho,  246. 

Sarpe'don,  258,  267. 

Saturn,  8,  15. 

Satyrs,  14. 

SCYLLA,  71,  116,  297,  312. 

Sem'ele,  195. 

Sera'pis,  359. 

Shatry'a,  498. 

Sibyl,  321,  331. 

SiCH^us,  318. 

Sile'nus,  58. 

Silver  Age,  20. 

Simon'ides,  245. 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONARY. 


471 


SiNON,  281. 

Sirens,  296. 

Sir'ius,  250. 

Siva,  397. 

Skikniu,  417. 

Skkymir,  419. 

Skalds,  434. 

Skidbladnir,  432. 

Skuld,  407. 

Sleipnir,  429. 

SoMNus,  86,  320. 

Sphinx,  150. 

Stonehenge,  literally  Hanging  or 
uplifted  stones  (Saxon  Stanlicngist), 
is  two  miles  from  the  town  of  Ames- 
burj^  Wiltshire.  Its  neighborhood 
abounds  in  sepulchral  tumuli,  in 
many  of  which  ancient  British  re- 
mains have  been  found.  The  origin 
and  purpose  of  Stonehenge  have  in- 
vited much  speculation,  and  are  still 
involved  in  much  obscurity.  A  curi- 
ous legend,  first  found  in  the  British 
Chronicle  of  the  tenth  century,  and 
repeated  by  Geoffrey  of  Monmouth 
and  Giraldus  Cambrensis,  ascribes 
Stonehenge  to  Emrys  or  Ambrosius, 
the  last  British  king,  who,  in  the 
fifth  century,  aided  by  the  incanta- 
tions of  the  magician  Merlin,  is  said 
to  have  erected  it  in  memor}-  of 
four  hundred  and  sixty  Britons  who 
were  murdered  by  Hengistthe  Saxon. 
The  prevalent  belief  that  it  was  a 
temple  for  Druidical  worship  has 
been  somewhat  shaken  by  the  dis- 
covery of  the  sepulchral  character  of 
many  other  monuments  which  had 
been  also  presumed  to  be  Druidical. 
437. 

Sttx,  195. 

SUDRA,  398. 
SURTUR,  432. 
SURYA,  394. 
Syb'aris,  353. 
Sylva'nus,  203. 
Sympleg'ades,  159. 
Syrinx,  39. 
Sys'iphus,  361. 


Tan'talus,  135,  327. 

Tar'tarus,  326. 

Tauris,  259,  287. 

Tel'amon,  168. 

Telem'achus,  301,  309. 

Tellus,  163. 

Ten'edos,  28. 

Terra,  179. 

Ter'minus  originally  appears  to  have 
been  the  same  as  Jupiter  himself,  but 
gradually  he  was  recognized  as  a 
separate  and  distinct  god.  Hardly 
any  religious  conception  is  more 
thoroughly  characteristic  of  the  Ro- 
mans—that land-loving,  law-rever- 
encing people  —  than  the  conception 
of  this  god  Terminus,  whose  woi-Ship 
was  practised  down  to  a  late  period, 
16. 

Terpsi'chore  {she  who  loves  da7icing), 
one  of  the  muses,  the  inventress  and 
patroness  of  the  art  of  dancing  and 
lyrical  poetry.  She  is  generally  rep- 
resented with  the  tambourine  {tym- 
panum), crowned  with  flowers,  and 
in  a  mirthful  attitude,  13. 

Tethys,  41,  210. 

Thali'a  ;  one  of  the  nine  muses.  She 
was  venerated  by  the  country  people, 
as  the  preserver  of  growing  plants, 
and  the  inventress  of  agriculture  and 
arboriculture.  She  was  also  the  muse 
of  comedy,  Avhich  had  its  origin  in 
rural  usages,  and  is  usually  represent- 
ed with  the  comic  mask,  and  the 
shepherd's  crook  {pedum)  in  her  hand. 
One  of  the  Graces  was  also  called 
Thalia.  The  name  signifies  in  the 
original  Gveok,  flourishing .     13. 

Tham'yris,  236. 

TUEBES,  108. 

Thisbe,  30. 

Themis,  14. 

Thersi'tes,  276. 

Thes'celus. 

The'seus,  184. 

Thes'tius,  170. 

The'tis.  211,  263. 

Thialfi,  424. 


472 


INDEX    AND    DICTIONARY. 


Thor,  410-426. 

Thkyn,  41G. 

TiKE'siAS,  223. 

TisiPH'ONE,  14,  326. 

Titans.  The  Titans,  sons  and  daughters 
of  Uranus  and  Gaea  (Heaven  and 
Earth)  areOceanus,  Creus,  Criiis,  Hy- 
perion, lapetus,  Cronos,  who  are 
males;  and  Theia,  Rheia,  Themis, 
Mnemosyne,  Phebe,  Tethys  and 
Dione,  who  arc  females.  To  these 
names  other  writers  add  Ostasus, 
Andes,  Olymbrus  and  Amytus.  The 
Titans  are  sometimes  confounded  with 
the  Giants  or  Gigantes;  but  in  the 
more  cai'eful  writers  the  mythology 
of  the  two  is  different.  The  name 
Titan  is  also  given  to  the  descendants 
of  those  named  above,  as  Prometheus, 
Hecate,  Latona,  and  especially  Helios 
and  Selene,  (Phoebus  and  Diana),  and 
even  to  Circe.     8,  19. 

TiTiiO'NUS,  251. 

TiT'YUS,  149. 

Tmolus,  59. 

Tuiptol'emus,  69. 

Tuiton,  211. 

Tropho'nius,  364. 

TUOY,  1. 

Tox'eus,  288. 

TURNUS,  169. 

Typhoeus,  64. 

Typhon,  64,  360. 

Tyk,  414. 

Ulysses,  225,  257,  290. 

Unicorn.  The  word  is  unhappily  used 
in  versions  of  the  Old  Testament  for 
the  Hebrew  word  i-eora,  an  ox  or 
buffalo.  The  Septuagint  led  the  way 
in  this  by  using  the  Greek  monokcros, 
the  Vulgate  Unicorn,  an  animal  de- 
scribed by  Pliny,  which  naturalists 
have  held  to  be  fabulous,  but  which  a 
few  j-ears  since  was  said  to  have  been 
discovered  in  the  deserts  of  Thibet. — 
See  Quarfe}'li/  Review  No.  47,  Oc- 
tober, 1820.  The  Unicorn  is  perhaps 
best  known  as  a  heraldic  charge  or 


supporter.  Two  Unicorns  were  borne 
as  supporters  of  the  Scottish  royal 
arms  for  about  a  centurj-  before  the 
union  of  (he  two  kingdoms  of  Eng- 
land and  Scotland;  and  the  sinister 
supporter  of  the  insignia  of  the  United 
Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  is  a  Unicorn 
argent,  armed,  etc.,  etc.,  386. 

Urania,  the  muse  of  astronomy.  She 
is  generally  represented  with  a  crown 
of  stars,  in  a  garment  spotted  with 
stars,  and  holding  in  her  left  hand  a 
celestial  globe  or  lyre.  Some  give 
her  also  a  telescope  and  a  circle. 
Urania  is  also  the  name  of  the 
heavenly  Venus,  or  of  pure,  intellec- 
tual love,  in  contradistinction  to  that 
which  is  merely  sensual.  The  ancient 
Greek  poets  also  call  one  of  the 
Oceanides  or  sea-nymphs,  Urania^ 
13,  15. 

Urdur,  407. 

Utgard,  420. 

Utgard-Loki,  420. 

Vaissya,  398. 

Valhalla,  408. 

Valkyr'ior,  410. 

Vedas,  397. 

Venus,  65,  79,  256. 

Verdandi,  407. 

Vertumnus,  92. 

Vesta,  16. 

Virgil,  377. 

Vishnu,  395. 

Vulcan,  11. 

Vya'sa,  394. 

Wife  of  Bath,  60. 

Woden,  409. 

Wooden  horse,  279. 

Yama,  394. 

Ygdrasill,  407. 

Ymir,  407. 

Zendaves'ta,  390. 

Zeph'yrus,  82,  214. 

Zetes,  214. 

Zethus,  234. 

Zeus,  8. 

Zoroas'ter,  390. 


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